KABUL, Thursday, July 17, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday participated in a series of high-level engagements in Kabul on the sidelines of the signing ceremony for the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Rail Corridor, reaffirming the shared commitment to regional peace, connectivity, and economic cooperation.

The DPM/FM, accompanied by Pakistan’s Minister for Railways, Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Secretary Railways, met key Afghan officials and joined trilateral talks with the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

In a key bilateral meeting, Senator Ishaq Dar held in-depth discussions with Afghanistan’s Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, focusing on security concerns and the need for coordinated action to eradicate threats facing the region. He stressed the importance of resolving issues related to security and border management to fully realize the economic and connectivity potential of the region.

In another significant engagement, Senator Dar met with Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, where both leaders discussed peace, trade, transit cooperation, and regional connectivity. Recalling their earlier interaction in April 2025, they reaffirmed the commitment to sustained engagement and high-level dialogue to deepen bilateral ties.

The trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan reaffirmed strong regional partnerships and underscored the importance of trans-regional infrastructure like the UAP railway corridor to unlock the region’s economic potential. The three sides reiterated their dedication to working collectively for regional prosperity and sustainable development.

Senator Dar also met with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, with both leaders agreeing to continue efforts to enhance trade, transit, and security cooperation. They emphasized the importance of momentum in bilateral relations and advancing strategic connectivity initiatives for mutual benefit.

The UAP Rail Corridor is seen as a pivotal regional infrastructure project aimed at linking Central and South Asia, with the potential to transform trade routes, boost economic integration, and promote stability across the region.