Pakistan, Afghanistan discuss drugs trafficking

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and visiting Afghan Foreign Minister, Maulvi Wakil Ahmed Mutawakel Monday discussed matters relating to transit trade, cross-border smuggling and narcotics trafficking as well as ways and means to enhance bilateral economic collaboration.

This is Maulvi Wakil Ahmeds first visit to Pakistan since assuming responsibilities as the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister reassured his Afghan counterpart that, in spite of resource constraints, Pakistan would do its best towards the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan, said a Foreign Office statement.

The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere reflecting the close and fraternal relations between the two countries. The discussion covered the entire range of bilateral matters including situation in Afghanistan as well as other regional issues.

Foreign Minister briefed Mutawakel on Chief Executive General Pervez Musharrafs recent visit to Tehran during which Iran agreed to work closely with Pakistan on promoting durable peace in Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister emphasized the need to take urgent measures for the establishment of peace in Afghanistan through dialogue and reconciliation.

He expressed the hope that the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as always, would play its traditionally positive role in the Afghan peace process.

Mutawakel reaffirmed his governments commitment towards the establishment of durable peace in Afghanistan. He thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in this regard.

He expressed the hope that the international community would come forward generously with development assistance for Afghanistans war ravaged infrastructure.

Foreign Secretary, Shamshad Ahmed Khan and senior Foreign Ministry officials also participated in the meeting.