Pakistan and Afghanistan Acknowledge Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Kabul: Pakistan and Afghanistan have expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory in their bilateral relations. This sentiment was shared during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Kabul.

According to Radio Pakistan, both ministers welcomed the recent elevation of diplomatic representation between their countries from Charg© d’Affaires to Ambassadorial level, a decision made during the Trilateral Meeting in Beijing on May 21. They acknowledged the progress made in their recent engagements, including visits to Kabul and the Beijing meeting, noting that most decisions from these interactions have either been implemented or are nearing completion.

The ministers highlighted that these efforts have notably strengthened relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially in trade and transit. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged advancements in political and commercial ties but noted that progress in the security domain, particularly counter-terrorism, remains a concern. He expressed concerns about a recent increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan by groups operating from Afghan soil.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable measures against entities like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army Majeed Brigade. In response, the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister reaffirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to ensuring its territory is not used by terrorist groups against Pakistan or other nations.

The Deputy Prime Minister also extended his gratitude for the hospitality extended by Afghan authorities and congratulated them on successfully hosting the 6th Trilateral Dialogue.