IEA foreign minister to lead delegation for talks in Pakistan

Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), will leave for Pakistan on Wednesday for talks with Pakistani officials.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tweeted Tuesday that Muttaqi will lead a high-level delegation and will discuss a wide range of issues.

“The delegation will discuss enhancing ties, economy, transit, refugees and expanding facilities for movement of people, and will include Ministers and working groups from Finance and Trade Ministries,” added Balkhi.

This will be the first visit by Muttaqi to Pakistan since the IEA took control of Afghanistan in mid-August and, according to Pakistan media reports, is part of efforts by the two sides to reset their ties in the wake of the collapse of the former government.

Muttaqi was invited to visit Pakistan last month by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to Kabul.

While Pakistan has not formally recognized the IEA government, it is one of the few countries which maintain their diplomatic mission as well as envoy in Kabul.