ISLAMABAD: Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation highlighting the recent improvement in bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Both officials described the upgrading of diplomatic ties as a positive step forward after years of strained relations, signaling a new phase of cooperation between the neighboring countries.
Upgrading Diplomatic Relations
Earlier this week, Pakistan announced the elevation of its diplomatic representation in Afghanistan from Charge d’Affaires to Ambassador level, a move that Afghanistan has decided to reciprocate.
The Afghan foreign ministry confirmed that Muttaqi welcomed Pakistan’s decision and expressed hope that the remaining formalities would be completed soon.
Both sides agreed that this upgrade would pave the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, transit, and regional connectivity projects such as the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line. The Foreign Office statement emphasized continued efforts to build mutual trust and strengthen bilateral ties.
Regional Connectivity and Future Cooperation
Experts view these developments as part of a broader effort to normalize relations after a period of friction, largely caused by mistrust and cross-border issues including concerns over militants operating in the region. Pakistan’s former ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan, noted that the decisions to release Afghan goods at Pakistani ports, address trade barriers, and extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan represent forward-looking measures for regional stability and economic integration.
China’s diplomatic facilitation has also played a critical role in encouraging these positive steps, with trilateral meetings underscoring the shared commitment to closer cooperation.
