Kabul, 21 October 2021 (GNP/ TDI): Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi along with Director General Inter-Services Intelligence, Faiz Hameed arrived in Kabul today on 21 October.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood was received by the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan. This meeting is the first diplomatic meeting with the Taliban government after they assumed power in August 2021. Afghanistan’s diplomatic correspondence is led by the Taliban Prime Minister, Mullah Hassan Akhund and Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
During the one-day visit to Kabul, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood exchanged dialogues with Taliban government officials on issues of mutual interest, trade cooperation, and economic sectors. The two counterparts also deliberated on the prevalence of the economic crisis.
Diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan aims to develop and strengthen cooperation in diverse areas. The diplomatic dialogue will ensure discussion on the “entire spectrum” of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Bilateral trade
The foreign minister underscored that Pakistan would provide aid worth 5 billion rupees to Afghanistan. further, Pakistan would allow duty-free import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan. Afghan businessmen can get visas on arrival, while the Pakistani embassy in Kabul has been authorized to issue five-year visas for multiple entries.
The Minister also briefed that the Taliban has committed to not allowing any group to use Afghan soil against Afghanistan. he added Afghan interim government had assured Pakistan that it would support projects like CASA1000, TAPI, and Trans-Afghan railway project.
After the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Pakistan has advocated an international resolve of the possible humanitarian crisis. It has extended its support by sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Pakistan has also actively participated in evacuation efforts from Kabul.