Pakistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, transit, and regional connectivity.

This commitment was reiterated during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on the sidelines of the 51st Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers (OIC CFM) in Istanbul.

Dar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the “meaningful progress” achieved in bilateral cooperation since his Kabul visit in April 2025. He specifically mentioned advancements in trade, transit, and connectivity. Both nations expressed a shared determination to further enhance political and economic linkages.

The discussion also touched upon the recent trilateral meeting held in Beijing. Dar welcomed the proposed extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, viewing it as a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity. This expansion is expected to boost economic activity and integration across the region.