Shakeeb: A Stable Afghanistan Benefits the Region and the World
Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador in Islamabad, has said that Afghanistan’s current stability is not only important for Afghans but also benefits the region and the wider world, and could create significant opportunities for regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Afghan embassy to mark August 15, Shakeeb said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan could play an important role in expanding trade, transit, investment and energy cooperation between Central and South Asia.
He added that Afghanistan’s vision is to become a bridge for regional connectivity, trade, transit, dialogue and cooperation rather than a field for geopolitical competition.
Shakeeb described relations with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, as important, saying Kabul seeks ties based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and shared interests.
“In our view, lasting and sustainable security can only be achieved when there is a shared commitment to mutual trust, sincere cooperation, practical coordination and respect for each other’s legitimate concerns,” Shakeeb said.
The Afghan ambassador also said Kabul does not pursue a policy of confrontation and does not allow its territory to be used against other countries. However, he said Afghanistan expects its security concerns to be respected and that no country should allow its territory to be used against Afghanistan.
He stressed that differences between neighboring countries should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and political wisdom, adding that challenges can be turned into opportunities for building trust and expanding cooperation.
