ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi has said that the use of force has not worked in Afghanistan for the last 15 years and will not be helpful in bringing about a lasting peace in that country.
In a meeting with the Deputy Secretary Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and Australian Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Ric Wells in Islamabad on Tuesday, the special assistant emphasized that Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan, as a stable and economically developed Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s vital interest.
Fatemi said that Pakistan has made sincere efforts for reconciliation towards Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
Talking about Pakistan-Australia relations, the special assistant expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between the two countries, manifest in increased interaction on political, economic, defence and security related issues.
Tariq Fatemi stressed that trade and economic ties should be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The Australian special representative expressed Australia’s continuing interest in enhancing relations with Pakistan in a range of fields.
Underlining the importance of boosting trade and commercial ties, he said that both Pakistan and Australia would discuss ways and means to expand economic relations in the sixth round of Joint Trade Committee meeting being held in Islamabad on June 1, 2016.
Ric Wells also appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in the reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.
