Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his British counterpart Boris Johnson held a telephonic conversation where the two leaders discussed Afghanistan, climate change among other issues of bilateral importance. 

In the call on Monday, the two leaders stressed ensuring a “long-term future of peace and stability in the country (Pakistan).” The  Afghanistan situation was also discussed during the talks. 

“The UK would continue to use the diplomatic and development tools at our disposal to support the government of Afghanistan,” a statement released by the Office of the British prime minister. 

Significantly, in recent months, the UK has been seen making mediation efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan as witnessed on the two occasions-- first in Qatar and later in Kabul-- where the UK top commander, Gen Carter, was present during the high-level talks between the senior officials of Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

The two leaders discussed the need to take action to cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity ahead of the COP26 Summit which is to be hosted by the UK later this year.

Congratulating Khan on the success of the World Environment Day event which Pakistan hosted with the UN this week, Johnson said, “ “I salute what Prime Minister Imran has done in promising to plant 10 billion trees. I salute what Imran Khan is doing to replant mangroves that are so vital for hoovering up carbon dioxide.”

The leaders also agreed on the need for sustained global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. 

The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on Nov 1-12. Earlier in March, Khan had said that the conference would end in failure without a finance deal. In an op-ed in The Times magazine, he estimated that Pakistan would require at least $7-$14 billion each year as adaptation finances. 

(SAM)