Saudi Arabia issues statement on ceasefire in Afghanistan-Pakistan, gives special advice to both countries for the future

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Saudi Arabia has described the ceasefire agreement, reached in Doha, the capital of Qatar, as a positive step toward reducing tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Saudi Arabia expressed hope for the agreement’s sustainability and for lasting peace in the region. Saudi Arabia said the two neighboring countries should resolve their issues through dialogue and move toward lasting peace.

After nearly 10 days of military conflict along the border, delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan met in Doha on Sunday. Both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Following the agreement, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Sunday night. The statement praised the agreement and emphasized the need to establish mechanisms to strengthen long-term peace and stability.

Hope for an end to border tensions
The Foreign Ministry statement said, “Saudi Arabia hopes that this positive step will end tensions along the border between the two countries.” We also appreciate the diplomatic efforts of Qatar and Turkey to play a mediating role in the talks.’ The statement reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security.

Saudi Arabia’s statement comes amid growing international concern over violence along the border between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Pakistan. Recent clashes between the two countries have not only resulted in the loss of lives of soldiers but also a significant number of civilians. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that at least 37 civilians were killed and 400 injured in airstrikes and clashes.

Turkey-Qatar brokered agreement
After war-like situations arose on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Qatar and Turkey initiated mediation. A ceasefire agreement was reached on October 19th through the mediation of both countries. In the agreement, both sides agreed to cease hostilities and pledged not to support groups operating against each other.

The next round of talks on the ceasefire issue between Afghanistan and Pakistan will be held in Turkey later this month. Further diplomatic and security mechanisms are expected to be finalized at the Turkish meeting. Both sides expressed hope for further positive outcomes from the meeting. Qatar and Turkey also expressed hope for peace.