Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the international community to stand by the Afghan people for a prosperous Afghanistan and regional peace.

The international community must stand in solidarity with the Afghan people, undertake positive engagement, and create incentives for ensuring sustainable peace in Afghanistan, he said while talking to Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio who called on him.

The prime minister said Pakistan had suffered enormously due to protracted conflict and instability in Afghanistan. 

During the meeting, views were exchanged on the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as bilateral relations, said a press release of the PM office media wing.  

The prime minister noted that at this critical juncture it was vital to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan, take steps to consolidate peace, and preclude any mass exodus of refugees. 

In the bilateral context, prime minister Imran Khan said Italy was a vital partner for Pakistan and stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration in diverse areas, including trade and investments, defence, and people-to-people contacts. He also highlighted that the large Pakistani diaspora in Italy constituted a strong bridge between the two countries.   

Foreign minister Luigi Di Mario thanked Pakistan for the facilitation of its evacuation operations. He underscored Italy’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. The Italian foreign minister also conveyed an invitation to the prime minister to visit Italy.  The prime minister, on the occasion, also extended an invitation to Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi to visit Pakistan.