ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Monday urged close cooperation and meaningful engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the areas of security, counter-terrorism and border management for preventing cross border movement of terrorist groups.
Talking to a 14-member delegation of the Afghan media in Islamabad, Sartaj Aziz said that the relations between our two brotherly countries were rooted in common history, religion, culture and people to people ties.
The adviser said that like their past, Afghanistan and Pakistan also shared their destiny. Therefore, he added it was important that the two countries closely work together for dealing with the common challenges and pursue the welfare and progress of the people.
Sartaj Aziz described terrorism as the common enemy, and also reiterated Pakistan’s desire for lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The foreign affairs adviser said that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and the focus should be on political settlement through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.
In this regard, he highlighted serious efforts made by Pakistan for peace talks between Afghan government and Taliban adding that cooperation between the two countries was important for promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
The members of the Afghan media delegation had frank and candid conversation on the efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening of bilateral engagement.
The delegation is undertaking a visit to Pakistan from April 2-8, 2017 for interaction with the government, parliamentary and civil society institutions.
