In the aftermath of the recently declared US withdrawal, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed bilateral relations in addition to the Afghan peace process. Both leaders congratulated each other on the start of the holy month of Ramadan during their telephonic talk.
Turkey and Pakistan to Form Strategic Economic Alliance
They spoke about a variety of topics of common concern, including how to improve bilateral ties in all fields. In a regional background, the prime minister emphasized the importance of a diplomatic solution to the Afghan crisis ahead of the US withdrawal, which was recently declared.
He emphasized that Pakistan had completely backed and encouraged the signing of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement. This subsequently initiated the start of intra-Afghan talks. The intra-Afghan talks, according to the prime minister, are a historic chance for the Afghan to rebuild. It is a chance to rebuild their leadership, to pursue an inclusive, broad-based, and substantive political resolution.
The premier praised Turkey\’s contribution and stated that Pakistan will continue to provide all necessary assistance. Pakistan will be present for any diplomatic settlement in Afghanistan that would result in lasting prosperity. Both leaders decided to maintain the discussion and to turn bilateral ties into strategic economic alliances.
Later this month, Turkey will host an Afghanistan conference in Istanbul to get all parties to the negotiating table. From April 24 to May 10, Turkey will host a 10-day Afghan peace summit. Those in attendance will be from the Afghan army, the United States, the United Nations, Qatar, and others. However, the Taliban has declined to take part in negotiations.
Pakistan\’s Response to Blinken\’s Visit to Afghanistan
PM Khan\’s remarks come as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Kabul on Thursday. The purpose of Blinken visit was to brief Afghan officials on US President Joe Biden\’s decision to remove US troops from Afghanistan fully by September 11.
Pakistan was instrumental in initiating the first direct peace negotiations between the United States and the Taliban. Pakistan was also played a vital role in getting the Taliban and the Afghan government ready for negotiations.
In reply to Biden’s latest statement regarding troops withdrawal, Pakistan Foreign Ministry said “In our view, it is important that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan coincides with the progress in the peace process,”
“We hope that the forthcoming meeting of Afghan leadership in Turkey would be an important opportunity for Afghans to make progress towards a negotiated political settlement.”
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