UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab visits Torkham border

TORKHAM, Sep 04 (DNA): UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab Saturday
visited Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border and was briefed on current
situation on the ground.

The UK Foreign Secretary was accompanied by British Higher Commissioner
to Pakistan Christian Turner. He was briefed on the current situation on
the ground and along the border by Pakistan Army and Frontier
Constabulary (FC), KP.

They also discussed safe passage for British Nationals & ex-employees of
UK in Afghanistan

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab visited Pakistan to discuss how the
two countries can work closely together on the situation in Afghanistan.
He held meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah
Mehmood Qureshi and was scheduled to meet Chief of Army Staff General
Bajwa later.

Discussions focused on securing a safe passage for those leaving
Afghanistan, combatting terrorism, the humanitarian situation and
regional stability, among other issues.

“I have held meetings with key partners in Qatar and Pakistan to support
the people of Afghanistan, prevent it from becoming a safe haven for
terrorists and respond to the humanitarian situation and safeguard
regional stability,” Dp,omoc Raab saod.

The Foreign Secretary visited the Afghanistan-Pakistan border at
Torkham, an important crossing point, to see for himself the situation
on the ground. He also met members of the team supporting the current
crisis response.

Earlier, speaking at a joint press briefing with the Pakistan Foreign
Minister, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “The basis for the
UK-Pakistan relationship is very strong – and the UK has the desire to
take it to the next level. We also have a very clear and shared interest
in the future of Afghanistan. We will judge the Taliban by their
actions, not their words.”

The Foreign Secretary underlined the UK’s commitment to help those
fleeing Afghanistan, including by supporting neighbouring countries.

The UK has announced a doubling of aid to Afghanistan to £286 million
and has released the first tranche of £30 million of that to support
Afghanistan’s regional neighbours, including Pakistan.

Dr Christian Turner CMG, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, said,
“The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Pakistan today underlines just how
vital the UK-Pakistan relationship is. We are committed to working
closely together to help the people of Afghanistan and promote stability
in the region.”

Earlier, UK Foreign Secretary visited Qatar before coming to Pakistan to
discuss Afghanistan, and how regional partners can play a role in
resolving the situation

The UK announced the first tranche of £30 million of life-saving aid to
Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries to help those who choose to leave
Afghanistan during the crisis. DNA

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