The Khyber Pass between Afghanistan and Pakistan.—File

OTTAWA Canada has brokered a deal to improve security along the porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said Tuesday.

Cannon made the announcement at a 72-country meeting on Afghanistan in The Hague, where all eyes were on the new US administration and its beefed-up commitment in the region.

The border has been a source of tension between the neighbours for generations - most recently with back-and-forth movements by insurgents.

`Canada has been hosting meetings between Afghan and Pakistani officials in Dubai since 2007 and the most recent meeting last weekend produced the agreement`, Cannon was quoted as saying by CBC Television News here Wednesday morning.

He said the plan identifies customs, movement of people, counter-narcotics and law enforcement as priorities, and that the countries will create working groups to tackle problems in those areas.

`Ultimately what we want is a functional border between two countries,` Cannon said.

The minister said he was encouraged by the new American approach to the region, including the idea of viewing Afghanistan and Pakistan as an integrated challenge.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...