ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi in Tashkent on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Foreign Ministers meeting, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Friday.
During the meeting, Bilawal reiterated solidarity and support for Afghan people following the destruction caused by recent earthquake in Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan remained firmly committed to a peaceful, stable, prosperous and connected Afghanistan.
The Pakistan Foreign Minister emphasized that there was prospect of ending four-decade long conflict and establishing sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. He highlighted the various steps taken by Pakistan to support bilateral engagements with Afghanistan and facilitating international humanitarian assistance.
Bilawal also underlined the need for enhanced cooperation to promote economic integration and regional connectivity. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment for regional connectivity and infrastructure projects including TAPI, CASA 1000 and TAP.
The Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister thanked Bilawal for dispatching humanitarian assistance and hosting Afghan refugees for the last four decades. He said that Pakistan might consider expanding its trade with central Asian republics through Afghanistan, which would further promote regional peace and security.