FMs reaffirm desire to pursue continuous and practical engagement
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Afghan counterpart on Sunday emphasised the need for “enhanced coordination to counter terrorism and deepening bilateral cooperation”, according to a press release from the Foreign Office (FO).
Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is currently in Pakistan on a four-day visit to participate in bilateral and trilateral meetings. FM Bilawal welcomed him earlier in the day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
The FO statement said 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,” the FO said, adding that they also stressed the importance of removing impediments to trade in order to advance the goal of enhanced regional economic integration and connectivity. FM Bilawal said he was “pleased” to host his Afghan counterpart and held a comprehensive discussion on all areas of mutual importance.
“Pakistan is committed to enhance bilateral relations in a spirit of cooperation, trust and respect,” he said.
Bilawal said he also underscored the importance of “frequent leadership-level exchanges to provide further stimulus” to bilateral relations.
Earlier, FM Bilawal said it was an honour to host the foreign ministers of China and Afghanistan at the 5th China-Pak-Afghan Trilateral FMs Dialogue. “We held productive discussions on political engagement, counter-terrorism, trade, and connectivity,” he said. “I look forward to constructive engagement under a trilateral process between our three countries.”
