Kazakh deputy PM calls for de-escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, on Sunday called for a reduction in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
During his visit to Kabul, he said that disputes between the two countries should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
Zhumangarin stated that Afghanistan and Pakistan, as two neighboring Muslim countries, should settle all disagreements at the negotiating table. He added that Kazakhstan is ready to play a mediating role and assist in easing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad if formally requested.
“Any conflict should be resolved through dialogue,” he said. “The President of Kazakhstan also emphasizes this point, and we urge both sides to address all disputed issues through diplomatic means.”
The Kazakh deputy prime minister also highlighted his country’s close relations with Afghanistan, noting that Astana kept its embassy in Kabul open even during difficult periods. According to him, Kazakhstan was among the first countries to grant official status to its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan and appoint a resident ambassador in Kabul.
Zhumangarin further said that Kazakhstan was the first country to remove the Islamic Emirate from its list of banned organizations. He also noted that Afghanistan’s embassy in Kazakhstan and its consulate general in Almaty continue to operate.
The Kazakh official expressed hope that the issue of formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate would progress through diplomatic and political processes and reach a conclusion in the near future.
A high-level Kazakh delegation led by Serik Zhumangarin arrived in Kabul on June 20. During meetings with officials of the Islamic Emirate, the delegation discussed expanding economic, trade, and political cooperation between the two countries.
