Kabul (Web Desk): Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said that Pakistan desired durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
As per the details, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a meeting with Afghanistan's interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund in Kabul on Thursday.
The foreign minister, who reached Kabul today on a one-day visit, held a meeting with Afghanistan's interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. This is the foreign minister's first visit to Kabul since the Taliban took over in August.
"Pakistan is determined to help Afghan brethren on humanitarian grounds. He said Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral trade with Afghanistan," FM Qureshi said during the meeting with Akhund.
FM Qureshi said that visa facilities to Afghan citizens, especially the business community, opening up of new border points, and facilitating movement were steps taken by Pakistan to facilitate the people of Afghanistan.
He expressed Pakistan's resolve to play a constructive role, in collaboration with Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, for peace and stability in the region.
Views were also exchanged on matters of bilateral interest, enhancing cooperation in economic sector, including trade and commerce, as well as various options to bring the Afghan people out of the economic crisis.
Earlier, upon arrival, Mullah Hassan Akhund welcomed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his delegation.
The Afghan interim premier also thanked the Pakistani leadership for extending timely humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi hosted a banquet in the honour of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Kabul.
A large number of members of the Afghan interim cabinet including Foreign Minister Amir Hassan Muttaqi attended the luncheon.
Speaking on the occasion, FM Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's commitment to help the Afghan citizens on humanitarian grounds to save them from economic crisis.