Politics

Afghan foreign minister arrives in Pakistan on first official visit

Islamabad, Nov 10 (EFE).- Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday to meet with representatives of China, the United States, and Russia on his first official visit since the Taliban came to power in August.

The Afghan minister is leading the Taliban government’s delegation to the so-called “Troika Plus” meeting to address the situation in Afghanistan, which will take place Thursday in Islamabad.

The meeting will bring together the special envoys of China, Russia, the US and Pakistan with representatives from Afghanistan, according to a statement by the Pakistan government Wednesday.

“Pakistan attaches high importance to the Troika Plus mechanism on the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan hopes that deliberations of the Troika Plus meeting would contribute to the ongoing efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the statement said.

During his visit, Muttaqi will also told talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a diplomat from Islamabad’s foreign ministry told EFE on the condition of anonymity.

The official said Qureshi and Muttaqi will participate in the opening session of the Troika Plus meeting, attended by the special representatives for Afghanistan from the US China, Russia and Pakistan.

Qureshi and Muttaqi will meet separately to address bilateral relations with a special focus on trade, goods transit, cross-border movement, land and air connection, and regional connectivity, according to the diplomat.

Although Pakistan has not yet officially recognized the interim Taliban government, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi invited his Afghan counterpart to visit Pakistan during his first visit to Kabul on Oct.21 after the Islamists seized control of the country on Aug.15.

The special envoys of Pakistan, Russia and China held a meeting on Sep.22 in Kabul with Afghanistan’s prime minister, Mohammad Hasan Akhund, and other Taliban leaders, to ensure peace, stability and an inclusive government on Afghan territory. EFE

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