In a meeting held in Kabul on Saturday, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged Pakistan to prevent violations of Afghan refugees’ rights. The two sides discussed a range of issues, including refugees, politics, economy, trade, transit, and major joint projects, according to a statement from the Afghan Foreign Ministry.
Muttaqi emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations based on mutual respect, particularly between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He noted that the Islamic Emirate has adopted a balanced policy to foster cooperation with neighboring countries, including Pakistan. He also highlighted Afghanistan’s interest in expanding trade, transit, and joint projects with Pakistan.
During the meeting, Muttaqi raised concerns over the rights of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and urged Pakistani authorities to take measures to protect them. He called for steps to resolve existing problems and provide necessary facilities for further cooperation in these areas.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed satisfaction with the visit, viewing it as an opportunity to improve relations and expand bilateral cooperation. He invited Muttaqi to visit Pakistan and announced that tariffs on many commercial items would be reduced, along with efforts to improve the transportation of commercial goods.
The two sides also discussed strengthening diplomatic relations, increasing visa issuance, facilitating the fast transportation of agricultural products, and advancing projects like the Trans-Afghan railway, CASA 1000 electricity, TAPI gas, and TAP electricity.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to form joint committees to follow up on the issues discussed and resolve the challenges in the bilateral relationship.
