Pak-Afghan sides concur on need for bilateral political dialogue

Foreign State Minister Hina Rabbani Khar made a successful visit to Afghanistan on Tuesday. In light of the unbreakable ties of geography, history, culture, and language, Pakistan and Afghanistan came to an understanding on Tuesday regarding the significance of ongoing bilateral political dialogue and the crucial role played by institutional mechanisms in advancing the numerous strands of Pak-Afghan relations.

The two sides also underscored Afghanistan's significance as a land bridge connecting Central Asia and South Asia, as well as its crucial role in fostering regional connectivity through transportation networks and large-scale energy projects like CASA-1000 and TAPI.

During her one-day’s official visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, Foreign State Minister Hina Rabbani Khar held meetings with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi, Minister for Mines and Petroleum Shahabuddin Delawar, and Commerce Minister of Afghan Interim Government, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The two sides discussed matters related to enhanced regional security with mutual cooperation, including in countering terrorism, and issues and policies which would impact the interim Government’s engagement with the international community.

State Minister Hina Rabbani Khar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful, stable, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan.

MoS @HinaRKhar held meeting with Commerce Minister of Afghan Interim Government, Haji Nooruddin Azizi. Bilateral trade & economic relations, transit & connectivity came under particular focus. Also discussed mechanisms to oversee cooperation in these areas.#MoSinKabul pic.twitter.com/PRWjoBrric

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 29, 2022

She also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen and strengthen multifaceted ties between the two countries and build an enduring partnership for shared prosperity.

The minister of state underscored the imperatives for the international community to practically engage with the Interim Afghan Government to help Afghanistan address the dire humanitarian situation and the challenges of reconstruction and socio-economic development.

Hina also stressed that the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets would contribute to this end.

MOS @HinaRKhar in meeting with Women Chamber of Comm.:
-Underlined imp. role of women in society
-Expressed 🇵🇰’s keen interest in strengthening linkages b/w women entrepreneurs of 🇵🇰& 🇦🇫
-Announced 🇵🇰 to give preference to import of products by women run businesses#MoSinKabul pic.twitter.com/WDAfrHjF1v

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 29, 2022

During these meetings, a range of bilateral issues of common interest including cooperation in education, health, agriculture, trade and investment, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts and socioeconomic projects were discussed.

MoS @HinaRKhar held meeting with the Deputy PM of Interim Afghan Govt. Abdul Salam Hanafi. Minister for Mines & Petroleum Shahabuddin Delawar was also present. Bilateral trade, connectivity & people-to-people contacts were discussed#MoSinKabul pic.twitter.com/iHGNFhVDuE

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 29, 2022