SEOUL – Deputy Foreign Minister Mirwais Nab and South Korea’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Mr. Lee Kyung-Chul discussed the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation at regional and international levels in the first round of political consultations between the two countries.
In a joint press release, both sides underscored the importance of building a peaceful, stable, and democratic Afghanistan and stressed that the political solution arising out of the peace process should “protect the gains achieved since 2001, the rights of Afghan people, including women, youth and minorities.”
Mr. Nab and Mr. Kyung-chul also welcomed international efforts, especially the United Nations’ role, in advancing peace talks and promoting stability in Afghanistan.
During the Seoul consultation, the two sides discussed the continuation of bilateral cooperation and reviewed the current status and effectiveness of South Korean projects in Afghanistan in combating Covid-19, promoting gender equality, and economic development cooperation. The two sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations to ensure the effectiveness of the development projects.
Representatives of Kabul and Seoul discussed deepening bilateral relations through various frameworks and exploring potential cooperation opportunities, including in trade and investment, capacity building, and reforestation in Afghanistan.
Mr. Nab expressed his sincere gratitude for South Korean assistance to Afghanistan in the political, economic, social, and military areas over the past 20 years. He hoped that political consultations would further expand bilateral cooperation.
