KABUL: Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, met with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen high-level engagements and dialogue to further consolidate their bilateral ties. Ambassador Sadiq reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continued engagement and mutually beneficial relations with Afghanistan, as stated in his message on X.
Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi highlighted that obstacles to trade and transit benefit neither country and emphasized the importance of separating unrelated issues. He also raised the topic of the gradual and dignified return of Afghan refugees. Ambassador Sadiq agreed, stressing that ensuring security in Afghanistan is crucial for Pakistan and the region, and he pledged to ease the visa issuance process for Afghan citizens.
In addition to meeting with Minister Muttaqi, Ambassador Sadiq also held discussions with Acting Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi. The two officials focused on enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in transit and connectivity. They agreed to fully utilize the potential of regional trade and connectivity for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Ambassador Sadiq emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan.
This visit is part of Ambassador Sadiq’s mission, directed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram, addressed the UN Security Council, raising concerns about terrorist organizations operating from Afghanistan. He noted the Afghan interim government’s failure to address groups like Al-Qaida, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which continue to launch attacks on Pakistan from safe havens along the Afghan border.
