Islamabad, Kabul discuss trade and security issues
PAKISTAN’S Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has expressed his country’s determination to help “Afghan brethren on humanitarian grounds” and enhance bilateral trade.
Qureshi, who reached Kabul on Thrsday for a oneday visit said that Pakistan desired durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He held a meeting with Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. This is the Pakistani foreign minister’s first visit to Kabul since the Taliban took over in August.
“Pakistan is determined to help Afghan brethren on humanitarian grounds. He said Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral trade with Afghanistan,” FM Qureshi said during the meeting with Akhund.
The diplomat said visa facilities to Afghan citizens, especially the business community, opening up of new border points, and facilitating movement were steps taken by Pakistan to facilitate the people of Afghanistan. “Pakistan resolves to play a constructive role, in collaboration with Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, for peace and stability in the region,” the FM expressed.
Views were also exchanged on matters of bilateral interest, enhancing cooperation in economic sector, including trade and commerce, as well as various options to bring the Afghan people out of the economic crisis.
The Afghan interim prime minister also thanked the Pakistani leadership for extending timely humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Earlier, upon arrival, Akhund welcomed Qureshi and his high-level delegation, which also included Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt General Faiz Hameed, who visited Kabul in the immediate aftermath of its fall.
Qureshi’s visit comes after prolonged problems at the Chaman border crossing, one of the main trade transit points between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which has been closed for more than two weeks, causing severe problems for truckers and exporters.
It stated that the foreign minister will utilise the opportunity and share Pakistan’s perspective on issues of regional peace and stability. He also told his hosts that the Afghan Taliban must take action against militants who have launched a string of deadly attacks in Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan.
Pakistani Taliban, a group with a different organisational setup, allegedly killed five security personnel in the latest bombing overnight.