Afghan envoy says stability of Afghanistan is inseparable from regional peace, calls for dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb has called for stronger regional cooperation, sustained dialogue and mutual respect, saying Afghanistan seeks to transform itself from a theatre of geopolitical competition into a bridge for connectivity, trade, transit and economic cooperation.
Addressing a gathering in Islamabad marking the fifth anniversary of Afghanistan’s Victory Day, Ambassador Shakeeb said August 15 marked a new chapter in Afghanistan’s contemporary history following more than four decades of war, foreign intervention and suffering.
He said Afghanistan had embarked on a new path under unified leadership and an Islamic system, focusing on the implementation of Islamic Shariah, strengthening independent decision-making, consolidating stability, pursuing reconstruction and economic growth, and expanding relations with the international community on the basis of mutual respect.
The ambassador said peace and stability in Afghanistan were not only in the interest of the Afghan people but also served the broader interests of the region and the international community.
“A peaceful and stable Afghanistan creates significant opportunities for regional connectivity, economic cooperation and collective security,” he said, adding that the country could play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity across the region.
He highlighted Afghanistan’s geographical position between Central and South Asia, saying the country could serve as a natural bridge for trade, transit, investment and energy cooperation if its shared geographic advantages were utilized effectively.
“We firmly believe that the stability of Afghanistan is inseparable from the stability of the region, and the prosperity of the region is closely linked to the prosperity of Afghanistan,” Ambassador Shakeeb said.
The Afghan envoy said neighbouring countries occupied the “first and most important place” in Afghanistan’s foreign policy vision.
He said geography, shared history, faith, culture, centuries-old trade relations and family and social ties had created deep bonds between Afghanistan and its neighbours, particularly Pakistan. “These deep ties call for mutual respect, shared interests and a shared commitment to our common future,” he said.
Ambassador Shakeeb said Afghanistan sought relations with all its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and the pursuit of shared interests.
He stressed that trust could not be established through pressure or force, but through understanding, sustained dialogue and sincere cooperation.
Acknowledging that differences between neighbouring countries were natural, the ambassador said disagreements should not become a source of greater distance. “During times of disagreement, the path of dialogue, mutual respect and political wisdom should be pursued,” he said.
He added that challenges, when addressed with sincerity and goodwill, could provide opportunities to build trust and expand cooperation.
According to the ambassador, sustainable regional security required a shared commitment to mutual trust, practical coordination, sincere cooperation and respect for each other’s legitimate concerns. “The stronger the trust between us, the stronger the foundations of peace, stability and prosperity throughout our region will become,” he said.
Ambassador Shakeeb said Afghanistan did not pursue a policy of confrontation and would not allow its territory to be used against the security and stability of any other country. “In the same spirit, we hope and remain confident that Afghanistan’s legitimate security concerns will be understood and respected, and that no country will allow its territory to be used against Afghanistan,” he said.
He expressed Afghanistan’s readiness to further strengthen practical and constructive cooperation with neighbouring countries on the basis of these principles.
“Our vision is clear: an Afghanistan that is not a field for geopolitical competition, but a bridge for regional connectivity, trade, transit, dialogue and cooperation,” the ambassador said.
Concluding his address, Ambassador Shakeeb thanked the guests for attending the anniversary gathering, saying their presence reflected respect, friendship and mutual goodwill.
He prayed for peace, stability, prosperity and success for Afghanistan, the region and the wider international community.
