PM Imran discusses evolving Afghan situation with Gulf leaders

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday had a discussion on the latest development in Afghanistan with leaders of key Gulf countries comprising Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.

During the telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister stressed that the international community had the responsibility to stand by the Afghan people and support them economically as well as to help rebuild the country.

The premier has emphasized the need to address the urgent humanitarian needs and take steps to ensure economic stability of Afghanistan. Both the leaders agreed on the importance of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further fortify the historic fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia and the country’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recalling the two historic initiatives recently announced by the crown prince to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, PM Imran thanked the prince for inviting him to participate in the launch ceremony of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), scheduled in Riyadh in October.

Similarly, PM Imran also held a telephone conversation with the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan,” a statement issued by the PM Office stated.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its political and economic partnership with Qatar. He appreciated Qatar’s assistance to Pakistan during the pandemic, in particular the care afforded to more than 200,000 Pakistani expatriates working for the progress and development of both countries.

He underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region. He underlined that after 40 years of conflict and instability, there is an opportunity to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan.

PM Imran emphasised that the world community must remain positively engaged and support the Afghan people at this crucial juncture – both economically and to help rebuild the country.

This, he stressed, was crucial to avert humanitarian and refugee crises in the country. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral matters as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.