FMs of Pak & Afghanistan emphasize the need for enhanced coordination to counter terrorism & deepening bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD, May 7 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, hosted the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

The two sides held a candid and in-depth exchange on key issues of mutual concern, including peace and security, as well as trade and connectivity. The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their desire to pursue continuous and practical engagement.

On peace and security, the Foreign Ministers emphasized the need for enhanced coordination to counter terrorism and deepening bilateral cooperation.

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 of Pakistan also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Afghan delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Acting Afghan Foreign Minister, and the Acting Afghan Minister for Commerce and Industry, is on a visit to Pakistan from 05-08 May 2023 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, counterterrorism cooperation and enhance trade, investments and connectivity under the trilateral framework.