The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Sunday evening, appreciated the diplomatic efforts and constructive role played by Qatar and Turkey in signing the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Ministry indicated the Kingdom’s support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability and its constant keenness on ensuring security, which will lead to stability and prosperity for the Afghan and Pakistani peoples. The Kingdom pointed out that this positive step will lead to an end to tensions on the border between the two countries. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks in Doha. To ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and monitor its implementation, the neighboring countries decided to hold additional meetings in the coming days. The Pakistani Defense Minister stated that they will continue their talks on the details of the agreed ceasefire in Istanbul next Saturday. Fierce battles erupted last week along the Durand Line, the border line between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which Kabul does not recognize. The conflict broke out after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of violating its airspace and launching raids on Afghan territory, announcing that it had successfully carried out a ‘retaliatory operation’ against Pakistan. Clashes resumed on October 15, following air raids, and Afghanistan put its security forces on high alert along the Durand Line.
