Leaders favour inclusive settlement in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING WITH SPECIAL GULF REPRESENTATIVES
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has held detailed discussions with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the latest developments in Afghanistan.
The leaders of Pakistan and the Gulf states agreed that “an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan” is the best way forward and vital for regional stability and security. Pakistan, Qatar and UAE are leading humanitarian efforts to provide urgent food and medical assistance to the people of Afghanistan amid the situation that emerged after the withdrawal of foreign forces on August 31.
The engagement comes after a virtual meeting of special representatives of neighbours of Afghanistan was hosted by Pakistan on September 5.
Attendance
The meeting, chaired by Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, was attended by officials from China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Iran. They agreed that “peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional security, stability and prosperity.” Pakistan called for a regional approach to address common challenges. “A prosperous and
peaceful Afghanistan would provide impetus to economic integration, strong peopleto-people linkages, enhanced trade, and regional connectivity,” Ambassador Sadiq said.
On Sunday, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Imran Khan discussed the regional developments and Afghanistan situation.
During the phone call, Khan stressed that “a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region” and emphasised
that an “inclusive political settlement was the best way forward” to ensure the safety and security of Afghans. Khan urged that the world community must remain engaged to meet the urgent humanitarian needs and help rebuild the country.
Khan and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed agreed to work together to enhance collaboration in all areas of common interest.
Khan also held a telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Both the leaders agreed on the importance of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan and that the international community “must step up its engagement to avert any humanitarian and refugee crises” and to rebuild the country.
They also agreed to work together to diversify bilateral ties in all spheres. PM Khan thanked the Saudi crown prince for the invite to the launch ceremony of the Middle East Green Initiative scheduled in Riyadh in October.
Joint efforts
During the third interaction of the day, Imran Khan spoke to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to exchange views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Khan called for joint efforts as there was an opportunity to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan after 40 years of conflict and instability.
PM Khan also reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen its economic partnership with Qatar and appreciated support to more than 200,000 Pakistani expatriates in Qatar.
On Monday, media reports claimed that the Taliban have invited Turkey, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Qatar to attend the ceremony of formation of a new government in Afghanistan which is expected to be announced in the coming days.