Islamic Emirate interested in expanding trade and joint projects with Pakistan/ Pakistan should prevent violations of refugees’ rights

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: A joint meeting between Maulavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, was held this morning (April 19) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in this meeting, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries discussed various issues including refugees, political, economic, trade, transit relations, major projects and some other issues.

At the beginning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country stated that the Islamic Emirate, based on its balanced and economy-oriented policy, seeks positive relations based on mutual respect with all countries of the world, including Pakistan. Also, Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi explained the current positive situation in Afghanistan and spoke in detail about the achievements and opportunities that have emerged under the full sovereignty of the Islamic Emirate in various sectors.
He added that the Islamic Emirate is interested in expanding trade, transit and joint projects with the neighboring country, Pakistan. He also called on the Pakistani delegation to take practical steps to solve the problems and create facilities in these areas.

He also expressed his deep concern and regret about the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and their forced deportation, and emphatically called on the Pakistani authorities to prevent violations of the rights of Afghan citizens residing and immigrating to that country.

On the other hand, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, expressed his satisfaction with the visit to Afghanistan and expressed his hope that this visit would improve, strengthen and expand the existing relations between the two nations.
He invited the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate to visit Pakistan officially so that high-level interactions between the two countries can continue.
Mr. Dar stated that for the growth of bilateral trade, tariffs on many commercial goods have been reduced and effective steps will also be taken in the field of goods transportation. He emphasized that the Pakistani government is determined to develop bilateral trade and transit with Afghanistan and will provide the necessary facilities in this regard.

He also clarified that Afghan refugees will not be treated unfairly and serious measures will be taken in this regard. He emphasized that the property and capital of the refugees belong to them and no one has the right to detain them. He promised that Pakistani security forces will prevent any arbitrary actions in this regard.

The meeting also discussed and emphasized the promotion of diplomatic relations, coordination and joint cooperation, increasing and facilitating visa issuance, accelerating the transfer of agricultural products, growing trade and transit, and the importance and implementation process of major projects such as "Afghan Trans", CASA 1000, TAPI, and TAP. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that joint committees would be formed to follow up on the issues raised and effective solutions would be adopted to resolve issues between the two countries.