Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the need for increased collaboration between Pakistan and Afghanistan to effectively address the shared challenges of terrorism and extremism.
In a meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the COAS reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to fostering a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan.
The COAS and Afghan acting FM discussed matters of mutual interest, encompassing regional security, border management, and the establishment of formal bilateral security mechanisms to enhance the existing security environment.
General Asim reiterated the need for the Afghan interim government’s full support and commitment in areas of mutual concern. Foreign Minister Muttaqi acknowledged Pakistan’s historical support for the Afghan people and recognized Pakistan’s ongoing role in facilitating peace and development in Afghanistan. He also expressed his interest in closely collaborating with Pakistan to promote regional stability and prosperity. Both parties agreed on the significance of maintaining regular contact to strengthen bilateral relations and address common issues. In a separate meeting, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with the COAS at his office.
During their conversation, General Asim reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan strategic partnership and pledged full support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional security and defense cooperation. The COAS also appreciated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan on regional and international matters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang highlighted the importance of the enduring strategic relationship between the two brotherly nations and expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the CPEC while reiterating China’s commitment to its timely completion.
He commended Pakistan’s efforts in upholding regional peace and stability, specifically highlighting the support rendered by the Pakistan Armed Forces in safeguarding Chinese nationals and projects within Pakistan.
The two officials engaged in a conversation about the dynamic security landscape in the region.
The COAS recognized China’s contributions in fostering peace and stability within the region, and both sides agreed to strengthen their existing collaboration in defense and security sectors to efficiently tackle shared security concerns.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties reiterating their determination to further strengthen the enduring, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a separate event, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hosted Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the two sides engaged in 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 for continuous and practical engagement.
On peace and security, the foreign ministers underscored the need for enhanced coordination to combat terrorism and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Regarding bilateral and transit trade, both sides emphasized the importance of eliminating obstacles to trade to advance the goal of increased regional economic integration and connectivity.
Foreign Minister Bilawal also hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Afghan delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting Pakistan from May 5 to 8, accompanied by a high-level delegation.
The Afghan Acting Foreign Minister took part in the 5th China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue on Saturday, which was also attended by the Chinese Foreign Minister. At this event, the three countries reached a consensus to further political engagement, intensify counter-terrorism collaboration, and boost trade, investment, and connectivity within the trilateral framework.
