Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday held a bilateral meeting with President of Afghanistan Dr Ashraf Ghani wherein the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and Afghan peace and reconciliation process.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 14th Islamic Summit being held in Makkah, a PM Office statement said.
The prime minister re-affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He also underlined Pakistan’s firm support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process for political solution in the war-torn country.
The two sides agreed that the forthcoming visit of President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan will provide an opportunity to further focus on political, security, economic and people-to-people aspects of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had a separate meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the 14th Islamic Summit in Makkah.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest, and the issues being faced by the Muslim world.
Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted the fact that Pakistan and Egypt are two important countries of the Muslim world, having a key role to play on issues relating to the Ummah. It was agreed to stay in contact and closely consult with each other on common challenges.
In the bilateral context, the two leaders agreed to increase the frequency of political exchanges, hold the meeting of joint ministerial commission at an early date, and take steps to enhance bilateral trade and economic ties. The two leaders also exchanged views on the regional security situation. The need to exercise caution and resolve issues peacefully was emphasised.
Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated the invitation to President of Egypt to visit Pakistan. The two sides agreed that such high-level exchanges will steer the relationship towards a comprehensive upgradation that both countries desire.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan performed Umrah in the holy city Makkah and prayed for the country’s peace and prosperity.
He offered prayers at Masjid-ul-Haram – the Holy Mosque – along with his delegation comprising Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, Tourism Minister Atif Khan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Naeem ul Haq and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood. Prime Minister’s wife Bushra Begum also accompanied him during the Tawaf.
The prime minister arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to participate in the 14th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation being held in Makkah.
