Pakistan, Afghanistan have untapped economic synergies: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support to a negotiated political settlement for peace and stability in Afghanistan as "there is no military solution to the conflict in the war-torn country".

Talking to Afghanistan's Minister for Industry and Commerce Nisar Ahmed Faizi Ghoryani in Islamabad on Wednesday, the premier stressed the need for all sides to take measures for the reduction of violence leading to ceasefire.

The prime minister highlighted the close fraternal ties between the two countries and reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

PM Imran said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have untapped economic synergies and complementarities, which could be best realised through cooperation in the economic and trade sphere.

He also mentioned the Trans-Afghan railway line project, “Mazar-e-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar,” and highlighted Pakistan’s support to Uzbekistan’s efforts to secure financing for the project.

In this regard, the premier mentioned, that he had signed the joint appeal letter addressed to the heads of various International Financial Institutions (IFIs) by heads of state of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Reiterating his conviction that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, the prime minister emphasised the need for a negotiated political settlement.

He also stressed the need for all sides to take measures for the reduction of violence leading to a ceasefire. He added that peace in Afghanistan would be beneficial for the entire region by enhancing regional connectivity and providing new opportunities for economic cooperation.

The Afghan minister conveyed greetings of President Ashraf Ghani and highlighted the progress made on matters related to transit and bilateral trade.

He appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in facilitating the Afghan peace process and affirmed Afghanistan’s desire for enhanced trade and economic ties between the two countries.

The Prime Minister’s Adviser on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood also attended the meeting.

The Afghan delegation led by Ghoryani is on a five-day visit to Pakistan from December 27-31 for the 8th Meeting of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA).