ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) visited Afghanistan from 21-23 August 2023 on an invitation of Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), Kabul.
A press release issued by ISSI said that the Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood led the delegation that also included the Director of the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), Ms. Amina Khan.
During the visit, the ISSI delegation held several meetings, including a call on the Acting Foreign Minister of the Interim Afghan Government (IAG), Mr. Amir Khan Muttaqi.
A bilateral Dialogue with the Centre for Strategic Studies, headed by Mr. Waliullah Shaheen, Director General CSS was also held.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood delivered a lecture on Pakistan-Afghanistan ties at the Institute of Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan.
Afghan FM underscores close ties with Pakistan
Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi while meeting the ISSI delegation underlined the closeness of ties between the two countries, reinforced by numerous commonalities of faith, culture and geography.
He apprised the delegation regarding progress achieved under the Interim Government regarding ensuring overall security in the country, improving the economy, controlling poppy cultivation, and addressing corruption.
During the meeting, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood analyzed the developments during the two years of Taliban Government, particularly in stability and security, economy, ending corruption, and reducing poppy cultivation.
He also discussed the importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan ties and the recent positives in the bilateral trade.
Sohail Mahmood underscored Pakistan’s role in efforts for stabilization of Afghanistan and stressed the urgency of addressing matters relating to border security and counter-terrorism through close consultations and collaboration.
He further added that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest.
