Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Pakistan and Russia have called for increased cooperation among regional countries to foster a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.
The remarks came following a one-day visit to Pakistan by Ambassador Zamir Kabulov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan, on Thursday.
During his visit, Kabulov held significant talks with Pakistani officials, including Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Ambassador Ahmad Naseem Warraich, the Additional Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia.
The discussions primarily focused on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the importance of enhanced coordination among neighbouring countries to ensure lasting peace and stability.
The two sides expressed a shared understanding that Afghanistan's future is closely tied to the collective efforts of its regional neighbours.
With growing security challenges, including the threat of terrorism and instability, the two countries emphasized the need for a unified approach to address these issues.
Pakistan and Russia reiterated their commitment to remain engaged in efforts aimed at promoting Afghanistan's prosperity.
They agreed that regional cooperation would be pivotal in addressing the humanitarian crisis, economic instability, and security concerns that have plagued the country since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The need for a coordinated strategy to combat terrorism, particularly the growing influence of groups like ISIS-K, was also highlighted as a key area of focus.
Both nations also discussed the broader implications of Afghanistan's instability for the region, underscoring the importance of maintaining open lines of communication among countries with shared borders or security interests in Afghanistan.
The talks concluded with a reaffirmation of the necessity for continued diplomatic engagement to ensure a peaceful and sustainable future for Afghanistan.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Pakistan and Russia, particularly in the context of regional security and stability.
The two countries share interest in Afghanistan’s peace, given the potential spillover of instability into neighbouring regions.
The engagement also signals a broader regional approach to the complex issues surrounding Afghanistan, with both Pakistan and Russia positioning themselves as key players in the quest for long-term peace in the country.