Today in Kabul, a joint meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, accompanied by high-level delegations from both sides.
The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including the situation of Afghan refugees, political relations, economic cooperation, trade, transit, large-scale joint projects, and other matters of mutual interest.
As opening remarks, FM Muttaqi reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to a balanced, economy-centric foreign policy, seeking to establish positive and mutually respectful relations with all nations, including Pakistan. He also elaborated on Afghanistan’s current stability and highlighted the progress achieved under the Islamic Emirate’s full sovereignty, pointing to emerging opportunities across multiple sectors.
Expressing strong interest in expanding trade, transit cooperation, and joint projects with Pakistan, FM Muttaqi called on the Pakistani delegation to take concrete steps toward resolving existing challenges and creating necessary facilitation mechanisms.
Additionally, FM Muttaqi expressed deep concern over the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and their forced repatriation. Stressing the need for humane treatment, he urged Pakistani authorities to protect the rights of Afghan nationals currently residing in, or returning from, Pakistan.
In response, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed satisfaction at visiting Afghanistan and voiced optimism that his visit would contribute to strengthening and enhancing the relations between the two nations. He extended an official invitation to Minister Muttaqi to visit Pakistan, aiming to sustain high-level diplomatic engagement.
As an effort to boost bilateral trade, Mr. Dar noted that Pakistan has reduced tariffs on a wide range of goods and is prepared to take further effective measures to facilitate the movement of commercial cargo, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to deepening trade and transit relations with Afghanistan and pledged to implement the necessary supportive policies and infrastructure improvements.
Addressing concerns over Afghan refugees, Mr. Dar assured that there would be no mistreatment and that appropriate measures would be taken to address their situation. He reaffirmed that the properties and assets of Afghan refugees are legally their own and must not be confiscated. He promised that Pakistani security agencies would prevent any unauthorized actions against them.
The meeting also focused on enhancing diplomatic relations improving coordination and cooperation, increasing and streamlining visa issuance, accelerating the export and transport of agricultural products, and expanding trade and transit cooperation. The two sides reviewed the status and importance of major regional projects such as Afghan Trans, CASA-1000, TAPI, and TAP, and agreed on the importance of dedicated attention and joint efforts in these areas.
In the end, both sides agreed to establish joint committees to follow up on the matters discussed and to identify effective mechanisms for resolving bilateral issues.
