IEA prioritises diplomacy to resolve issues with Pakistan: Muttaqi

KABUL (Pajhwok): Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi says the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) participated in the Istanbul talks with Pakistan in good faith and that resolving issues with the neighbouring country through diplomacy and mutual understanding remains a priority.

He said this during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

A statement from the ministry said the two sides discussed bilateral ties as well as the recent negotiations between Kabul and Islamabad in Istanbul.

Araghchi emphasised the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and offered Iran’s constructive role in this regard.

For his part, Muttaqi said the IEA delegation attended the Istanbul talks under the supreme leadership’s special directives and with full authority, in good faith and reaffirmed that prioritising diplomacy and mutual understanding with Pakistan was paramount.

Following Pakistan’s attacks on Afghanistan and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Afghan forces, negotiations between Kabul and Islamabad were held--- once in Doha and twice in Istanbul--- under the mediation of Qatar and Turkey.

The latest round of talks in Istanbul concluded on Saturday.

IEA chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the “irresponsible and uncooperative” attitude of the Pakistani delegation resulted in no outcome from the third round of negotiations, despite the IEA’s goodwill and the mediators’ efforts.

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