Saudi Arabia has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and the Taliban, calling it a positive step toward reducing tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border and encouraging broader regional peace.
In a statement issued late Sunday, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the agreement, signed during talks in Doha, Qatar, and endorsed the creation of mechanisms aimed at consolidating long-term peace and stability between the two neighboring countries.
“The Kingdom hopes that this positive step will lead to an end to tensions on the border between the two countries,” the statement said. It also commended the diplomatic efforts of Qatar and Turkey for their roles in mediating the talks.
Riyadh reiterated its support for regional and international initiatives that aim to promote peace and security, and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring stability and prosperity for “the brotherly peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Saudi Arabia’s statement comes amid growing international concern over renewed border violence between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Pakistan, which recently has resulted in dozens of civilian casualties. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported at least 37 civilians killed and more than 400 injured during week-long cross-border airstrikes and clashes.
The ceasefire, reached late Saturday, Oct. 19, with Qatari and Turkish mediation, followed a spike in tensions that included Pakistani drone strikes in Kabul and southeastern provinces. Both sides agreed to halt hostilities and pledged not to support groups operating against the other. They also committed to establishing joint technical committees to monitor implementation.
The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Istanbul later this month, where further diplomatic and security mechanisms are expected to be finalized.
