Political issues may not harm Kabul-Islamabad ties: Atmar

KABUL (Pajhwok):Foreign Minister HanifAtmar on Thursday said political issues should not hinder the development of economic and cultural relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Atmar met with a non-governmental Pakistani delegation.

The delegation was comprised of members of parliament, research institutions, former officials, journalists and civil society activists. The two sides talked relations between the governments and peoples of the two countries.

Atmar, while warmly welcoming the delegation, said such meetings were extremely valuable in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding ties.

The members of the Pakistani delegation stated that during their numerous meetings in Kabul and Mazar Sharif, more than ever they found a positive atmosphere of cooperation and mutual understanding and would return to the country with such a message.

While reaffirming the positive atmosphere of cooperation, especially for peace, Atmar stressed that Afghanistan was clearly committed to improving ties with Pakistan.

The development of economic, social and cultural cooperation between the two countries was a clear respect for the principle of independence and sovereignty, he added.

He said Kabul had always been willing to establish a common mechanism for identifying facts, resolving problems and evaluating bilateral actions to address bilateral security concerns.

The Foreign Minister noted similarities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and praised Pakistan’s hosting of Afghan refugees, as well as the Pakistani government’s improvement of the visa regime.

He stressed that political issues should not hinder the development of economic and cultural relations, but one should complement and pave the way for the other.

Atmar also highlighted the efforts of the Afghan government to implement projects to connect South Asia with Central Asia through Afghanistan, calling these projects a major step towards economic development and regional stability.

Bk/ma

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