Diplomatic sources in Istanbul indicate that negotiators from Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached an agreement on the most significant issues, with the remaining points expected to be finalised before the conclusion of the talks late Monday.
Officials anticipate that the discussions may extend into the night as both sides work to secure a comprehensive understanding.
The negotiations were conducted after Afghanistan and Pakistan’s border security forces exchanged heavy fire on 12 October along the border between the two countries.
Afghan security forces launched those attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan, conducted two days earlier.
On 15 October, further fighting occurred along the Spin Boldak district and Paktika province, bordering Pakistan, including airstrikes by Pakistani forces inside Afghan territory.
A 48-hour ceasefire was announced on the evening of 15th October, in an attempt to halt further escalation of clashes.
Despite the ceasefire, further fighting was reported in some places along the border region, causing many civilian casualties.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that 37 civilians were killed and more than 425 were injured because of the cross-border fighting.
In Doha, through the mediation of Qatar and Türkiye, Afghanistan and Pakistan’s defence ministers agreed on 19 October to extend the ceasefire and establish a mechanism to consolidate lasting peace and stability.
The current talks in Istanbul are a follow-up to the Doha agreement, where both countries are expected to reach a comprehensive agreement to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Sources within Afghanistan’s foreign ministry told AnewZ that “negotiations are going well, and they hope to reach an agreement by the end of the day.”
Both sides are expected to issue a joint statement following the meeting’s conclusion.
The agreement is likely to address several key matters, including the extension of the current ceasefire, the reopening of closed border crossings, and confirmation of the timing and venue for the next round of dialogue.
Temperatures above 40°C are scorching parts of Central Asia, prompting the World Health Organization to warn that extreme heat is becoming an increas...
The U.S. has imposed new Iran-related sanctions targeting a key financier linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and 13 other individuals...
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics dri...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment