Afghanistan’s neighbors Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State to discuss Afghanistan, security and regional matters.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan held multiple meetings with other leaders including Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko. In his meetings he stressed that peace and stability in Afghanistan are essential for the region and for the world. He stressed that the international community must stand by the Afghan people, help avert a humanitarian crisis, and take steps to stabilize the Afghan economy. He reiterated Pakistan’s full support and efforts for stabilization of Afghanistan. Pakistan reiterated its resolve to upgrade engagement with Central Asian countries through its “Vision Central Asia” policy. The Prime Minister of Pakistan spoke of his vision about socio-economic development and shifting from geo-politics to geo-economics.
Regarding Belarus and Pakistan, the two leaders also discussed aspects of mutual interest and efforts for strengthening relations and cooperation in economy, defense and other matters.
The premier also met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking about how to enhance relations by building up trade, investment and transportation links. He emphasized the importance of connectivity and Pakistan’s “pivotal position in providing the shortest access route to the sea”, while also speaking about the importance of the Trans-Afghan railway project connecting Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Jalalabad-Peshawar.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister met Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He addressed the Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum organized by the Ministry of Commerce and TDAP.
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