Additional Secretary-level talks between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday underlined the importance of enhanced regional connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Held in Islamabad in light of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul on April 19, the discussion covered key areas of bilateral interest, including trade and transit cooperation, security and connectivity.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, both sides recognized terrorism as a serious threat to regional peace and security. The Pakistani side emphasized the need for concrete actions against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil, noting that such groups undermine Pakistan’s security and hinder regional development.
On deepening trade and transit cooperation, the two sides reviewed the implementation status of measures announced during the visit of the deputy prime minister to Kabul for facilitating Afghan transit trade, including the removal of a 10% processing fee, provision of an insurance guarantee, reduction in scanning and examination, and operationalization of the track and trace system.
They underlined the importance of enhanced regional connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Noting the strategic significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway in that regard, they agreed to make concerted efforts towards expediting the finalization of the Framework Agreement.
The two sides also discussed matters related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. Pakistan side shared an overview of its efforts to facilitate documented travel from Afghanistan, notably through the issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024 to date across a range of categories such as medical, tourist, business, and study. Both sides agreed to work together to further strengthen the legal movement of individuals across borders.
Both sides reaffirmed their support for sustained engagement to address mutual challenges. They recognized lasting security as a cornerstone, for both the region’s optimal development as well as for further advancement of bilateral relations.
Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani represented Pakistan, while Afghanistan’s side was led by Director General, First Political Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor. They decided to convene the next round of the Additional-Secretary talks at mutually convenient dates.