PM, MBS agree on inclusive Afghan govt

Premier also discusses situation in war-torn neighbouring country with Abu Dhabi crown prince, Qatar emir

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday agreed on the importance of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan, where the Taliban swiftly took over Kabul last month after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country and conceded power to the group 20 years after it was deposed in a US-led military invasion.

According to statement issued by the PM’s Office, the two leaders, in a telephonic conversation, exchanged views on the latest situation in Afghanistan.

PM Imran told the Saudi crown prince that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was vital for Pakistan and regional stability.

He stressed the need for the international community to stand by the Afghans and support them economically to help rebuild the country.

Read Pakistan cautions UK against role of spoilers 'inside and outside' Afghanistan

he premier also emphasised the need to address the urgent humanitarian needs and take steps to ensure the economic stability of the neighbouring war-torn country.

It was agreed that the international community must step up its engagement in Afghanistan to avert any humanitarian and refugee crises there.

PM Imran conveyed his warm wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further fortify the historic fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recalling the two historic Initiatives recently announced by the crown prince to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, the prime minister thanked him for inviting him to participate in the launching ceremony of the Middle East Green Initiative scheduled in Riyadh in October this year.

The premier also discussed the latest situation in Afghanistan in held a telephonic conversation with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed.

“The prime minister reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attaches to its strong fraternal ties with the UAE and close cooperation between the two countries,” read a statement issued by the PM’s Office.

On the latest situation in Afghanistan, PM Imran underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region.

He said that an inclusive political settlement was the best way forward to ensure safety and security as well protection of the rights of the people of Afghanistan.

The prime minister congratulated the crown prince for making excellent arrangements for the upcoming ‘Expo 2020’. He conveyed his best wishes for the resounding success of the mega event.

Read more PM assures UN of continued cooperation in Afghanistan

PM Imran and the crown prince agreed to work together to enhance collaboration in all areas of common interest, the statement read.

The prime minister also took up Afghanistan with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a telephonic conversation.

The premier underlined that after 40 years of conflict and instability, there was an opportunity to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan, a statement issued by the PM’s Office read.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen political and economic partnership with Qatar.
He appreciated Qatar’s assistance to Pakistan during the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular the care afforded to more than 200,000 Pakistani expatriates working for progress and development of both countries.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral matters as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

(FRONT PAGE)