Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on enhanced bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirmed their commitment to pursue ongoing, practical cooperation and emphasized the necessity of improving coordination to combat terrorism and advancing bilateral relations.

According to a press release from the Foreign Office, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hosted Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In-depth discussions on important topics of mutual concern, such as connectivity and trade as well as peace and security, were held between the two sides. The two parties emphasized the significance of removing trade barriers in relation to bilateral and transit trade in order to advance the objective of improved regional economic integration and connectivity.

The foreign minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Afghan delegation at the Ministry.

The acting Afghan foreign minister and the acting Afghan minister for commerce and industry are on visit to Pakistan from 05-08 May accompanied with high-level delegations.

Besides holding bilateral meetings, the acting Afghan foreign minister also participated in the 5th China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue yesterday, with the participation of the Chinese foreign minister, where the three sides agreed to advance political engagement, counter-terrorism cooperation and enhance trade, investments and connectivity under the trilateral framework.