Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on the international community to must stand in solidarity with the Afghan people, undertake positive engagement and create incentives for ensuring sustainable peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan.

Talking to Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in Islamabad, he said a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan and the regional countries.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister noted that, at this critical juncture, it is vital take steps to consolidate peace and preclude any mass exodus of refugees to prevent humanitarian crisis.

In the bilateral context, Imran Khan stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration in diverse areas, including trade and investments, defence, and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Italy.  He said the large Pakistani diaspora in Italy constitutes a strong bridge between the two countries.

Foreign minister Luigi Di Mario underscored Italy’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and conveyed invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Italy. The Prime Minister also extended invitation to Prime Minister Mario Draghi to visit Pakistan.