Bilawal, Muttaqi agree to enhance counter-terror coordination

FM holds candid and in-depth exchange on key issues with Afghan counterpart

ISLAMABAD:

The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirmed on Sunday their desire to pursue continuous and practical engagement and emphasised the need for enhanced coordination to counter terrorism and deepening bilateral cooperation.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hosted Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Foreign Office spokesperson said. They held a candid and in-depth exchange on key issues of mutual concern, including peace and security, as well as trade and connectivity.

Regarding bilateral and transit trade, the two sides stressed the importance of removing impediments to trade in order to advance the goal of enhanced regional economic integration and connectivity. The foreign minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Afghan delegation at the ministry.

Accompanied with high-level delegations, the acting Afghan foreign minister and the acting Afghan minister for commerce and industry are on a four-day visit to Pakistan starting from May 5. Besides holding bilateral meetings, the Afghan foreign minister also participated in the 5th China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue on Saturday.

At the trilateral dialogue also attended by the Chinese foreign minister, the three sides agreed to advance political engagement, counterterrorism cooperation and enhance trade, investments and connectivity under the trilateral framework.

The foreign ministers of the three countries agreed on Sunday to uphold good relations, deepen mutual trust, respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and properly address differences and disputes through equal consultation.

(APP WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)