• DPM visits Kabul to improve Pakistan Afghanistan bilateral tapes.
• Dar highlights terrorism, security as reasons for diplomatic cold.
• FM emphasizes financial, regional cooperation through rail link.
  

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to a one-day official visit to Kabul on Saturday, accompanied by a high-level delegation, in the midst of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security concerns and deportation issues.

“DPM/FM leads a high-level delegation consisting of a special representative of the Afghanistan ambassador Sadiq Khan, special assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries for trade, railways and interiors, as well as other senior officials,” spokesman for foreign office spokesman in a press release.

Deputy Prime Minister approached the media at Noor Khan Airbase before his departure, talking about the importance of Pakistan’s relationship with its western neighbor.

“Afghanistan is a neighboring Muslim country, and Pakistan has long -lasting and historic ties with it,” he said. “Our [Pakistan and Afghanistan’s] The relationship has been like two brothers as they are joined – and it should remain so. “

Dar acknowledged that the binders between the two countries had been frosted in the last few years due to a number of reasons, especially concerns about national security.

“There has been some cold in the tapes recently, primarily because of Pakistan’s security, the security of our people’s lives and property and the most important concern for Pakistan – terrorism,” he added.

Despite the challenges, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed optimism about the economic and trade potential between the two nations.

“There are countless trade and financial opportunities between the two countries. We can connect to the Central Asian countries via rail from Afghanistan,” noted Dar. “However, this idea cannot be realized unless there is a proper department of railways in Afghanistan.”

He complained that the current financial potential of the relationship between Pakistan-Afghanistan was not fully exploited and emphasized the need for greater cooperation.

“I go with goodwill and I will try to bring these two Muslim countries closer together. We must do what is possible for our people’s financial progress and improvement through mutual cooperation.”

During his visit, DAR is scheduled to hold meetings with Afghanistan’s top management to discuss bilateral relations, trade and regional stability.