ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s Minister for Industry and Commerce Nisar Ahmed Faizi Ghoryani called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed a wide range of issues.
While highlighting the close fraternal ties between the two countries, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support to peace and stability in Afghanistan. He maintained that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and emphasised on the need for a negotiated political settlement.
The prime minister also stressed the need for all sides to take measures for reduction of violence leading to a ceasefire. He added that peace in Afghanistan would be beneficial for the entire region by enhancing regional connectivity and providing new opportunities for economic cooperation.
PM Imran Khan remarked that Pakistan and Afghanistan have untapped economic synergies and complementarities, which could be best realized through cooperation in the economic and trade sphere.
He mentioned the Trans-Afghan railway line project, “Mazar-e-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar,” and highlighted Pakistan’s support to Uzbekistan’s efforts to secure financing for the project.
In this regard, he said that he had signed Joint Appeal Letter addressed to the heads of various International Financial Institutions (IFIs) by the governments of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Afghan Commerce Minister highlighted the progress made on matters related to transit and bilateral trade. He appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in facilitating the Afghan peace process and affirmed Afghanistan’s desire for enhanced trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood also attended the meeting. The Afghan delegation led by Ghoryani is on a five-day visit to Pakistan ending today for the 8th meeting of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA).
