Pakistan’s deputy foreign minister to visit Kabul to ‘bolster relationship’

Pakistan’s deputy foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar is expected in Kabul on Tuesday for talks with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Pakistan media reports.

According to diplomatic sources, cited by Pakistan’s The Nation, Khar will lead a delegation, expected to be comprised of senior members of the administration, with the aim to bolster diplomatic and trade ties.

The Nation reported that Khar will hold meetings with Prime Minister Hasan Akhund and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry in a statement confirmed the official’s planned one-day visit to Kabul on Tuesday to hold talks with IEA.

“Bilateral relations, including cooperation in the areas of education, trade and investment, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts and matters related to regional security will be discussed,” the statement said. “Minister of State will also reaffirm Pakistan’s continued commitment and support for all efforts aimed at strengthening peace and enhancing prosperity in Afghanistan.”

“As a friend and neighbour of Afghanistan, Pakistan will reaffirm its abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, in particular through its efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and to create real opportunities for economic prosperity of Afghan men, women and children,” the statement added.