Following a two-day visit to Kabul by Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, who also heads the Afghanistan Inter-Ministerial Coordination Cell (AICC), the two countries agreed to form a high-level committee to address border concerns, according to a press statement released by the Press Information Department.
According to the press release, the goal of the visit was to address the country’s humanitarian crisis with Afghan leadership, as well as Pakistan’s recommendations to help Afghanistan overcome its existing challenges. Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, the Special Envoy for Afghanistan, and senior officials from important ministries were among the delegation.
The NSA met with Afghanistan’s Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdus Salam Hanafi and Acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi during the two-day visit to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, it was reported.
Dr. Moeed Yousuf also met with other relevant Afghan ministers and senior officials to discuss humanitarian and economic issues at the delegation-level. The visit resulted in significant progress in terms of economic cooperation and social sector support, the statement read.
Both parties agreed to create a National Level Coordination Mechanism to strengthen facilitation at Border Crossing Points. They also agreed to start barter trade, with details to be worked out immediately, read the press release.
During the visit, Pakistan reportedly provided Afghanistan with capacity-building and training support in a range of areas, including health, education, banking, customs, railroads, and aviation.
Both parties underlined their commitment to complete three significant connectivity projects: CASA-1000, TAPI, and the Trans-Afghan Rail project, as soon as possible.
