Afghan delegation arrives for second round of peace plan talks

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ISLAMABAD: An Afghan delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai arrived in Islamabad on Friday to hold the second round of talks on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

The APAPPS is a joint action plan of the two countries for cooperation in counter-terrorism, reduction of violence, peace and reconciliation, Afghan refugees’ repatriation and joint economic development.

Earlier on February 3, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, had visited Kabul for the first round of discussion with their Afghan neighbours.

According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office, the meeting was held in a cordial environment and both delegations were able to make some progress on the APAPPS agenda.

“There are still important areas to be discussed and agreed upon, and both sides remain committed to continuing their discussions to reach an agreement on the APAPPS,” said the PR, adding that the next meeting would take place on February 9 and 10.

Foreign Office spokesperson, Dr Mohammad Faisal later tweeted that during the meeting, Pakistan put emphasis on strengthening border management on the Afghan side. “Pakistan also urged the Afghan government to take action against anti-Pakistan terrorists,” he wrote.

The media reported that Tehmina Janjua, during the meeting, said that instead of getting involved in a blame game, Pakistan and Afghanistan should engage in solid cooperation. She also condemned the recent Kabul attacks and offered Pakistan’s assistance for a joint investigation.

Earlier, the Afghan interior minister and the National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief had visited Islamabad and met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, as well as, other top-notch civil and military officials with the purpose of seeking Pakistan’s cooperation in the wake of the most recent deadly attacks in Kabul.