Pakistan and Afghanistan Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Regional Cooperation

Pakistani and Afghan officials convened in Islamabad for an additional secretary-level engagement, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The talks, led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani on the Pakistani side and Director General, First Political Division Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor on the Afghan side, tackled pressing issues such as counter-terrorism, trade, and connectivity. Both nations emphasized the importance of concrete actions against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil, which they believe hinder regional development and undermine Pakistan's security.

Key Takeaways:

• The meeting marked the inaugural round of the additional secretary-level mechanism between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with a focus on deepening bilateral ties and addressing mutual challenges.
• The Pakistani side emphasized the need for concrete actions against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil, which they believe undermine Pakistan's security and hinder regional development.
• Discussions covered key areas of bilateral interest, including trade and transit cooperation, security, and connectivity, with the two sides agreeing to strengthen trade and transit cooperation.
• The Afghan side was informed about Pakistan's efforts to facilitate documented travel from Afghanistan, notable through the issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024 to date across various categories.
• Both sides recognized lasting security as a cornerstone for regional development and advancement of bilateral relations and decided to convene the next round of talks at mutually convenient dates.
• The talks also covered matters related to the repatriation of Afghan nationals and reinforcement of support for sustained engagement to address mutual challenges.

Statistics:

• Over 500,000 visas have been issued by Pakistan to Afghan nationals since January 2024 to date across various categories, including medical, tourist, business, and study.
• The talks between the Pakistani and Afghan sides emphasized the establishment of concrete actions against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil.

Sources:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on the inaugural round of the additional secretary-level mechanism between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.