ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the announcement by the Taliban of their new government, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday called for an “inclusive political settlement” in Afghanistan, where the Taliban swiftly took over Kabul last month after Ashraf Ghani along with high-ranking officials fled the country.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who spoke by phone on the latest developments in the war-ravaged country, also agreed that “the global community must step up its engagement in order to avert humanitarian and refugee crises,” said a statement from the Prime Minister Office.
The two leaders had a “detailed discussion on the latest situation in Afghanistan,” the statement said.
Underscoring that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is vital for Pakistan and regional stability, PM Khan stressed that “the international community has the responsibility to stand by the Afghan people and support them economically as well as to help rebuild the country.”
He also emphasized the need to address Afghanistan’s urgent humanitarian needs and take steps to ensure its economic stability.
The two leaders also “agreed to work together to further augment and diversify bilateral ties in all spheres,” the PM office further said.
“PM Khan also reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further fortify the historic fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The prime minister also held phone conversations with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The three leaders “discussed bilateral relations, with particular regards to evolving situation in Afghanistan.”
According to the statement, the premier appreciated Qatar’s assistance to Pakistan during the Covid-19 pandemic, “especially the support extended to more than 200,000 Pakistani expatriates in Qatar.”
“They agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral matters as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the PM Office added.
