UK envoy to visit Pakistan to facilitate dialogue on issues with Afghanistan

Mullah Abdul Wasi, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), held a video conference with Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, to discuss regional developments and efforts to resolve issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to a statement released by the PM’s office, James Belmonti, a Political Affairs Officer at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Faiz Mohammad Wafamel, a political adviser, also participated in the meeting.

During the conference, Abdul Wasi thanked the United Kingdom for its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and for its efforts, alongside other friendly countries, to help overcome the current issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He said the Islamic Emirate seeks positive engagement with neighbouring countries, regional states and the international community based on Afghanistan’s national interests and mutual respect, adding that the IEA supports peace and stability in the region.

For his part, Lindsay said the UK was closely monitoring the regional situation and had held meetings and consultations with both sides regarding the issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He added that he would travel to Pakistan in the near future to hold discussions with Pakistani officials on the related issues and facilitate dialogue and better understanding between the sides.

Abdul Wasi said the Islamic Emirate attaches great importance to resolving disputes peacefully with neighbouring countries, regional states and the international community, in line with its foreign policy focused on economic engagement.

He also described Afghans as a peace-loving nation with considerable skills and experience in resolving disputes through negotiations.