ISLAMBAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that peace in Afghanistan is must for peace in the region.
“Peace in Afghanistan is a must for peace in the region. We support peace and stability in Afghanistan. We are persistently making sincere efforts for revival of reconciliation process in Afghanistan,” the prime minister said while talking to US Ambassador David Hale, who called on him at the PM House on Thursday. A range of issues, including bilateral ties, PM’s visit to the US, Afghan reconciliation process and other matters of mutual interest featured in the meeting. The PM said six working groups have been set up under Pakistan-US strategic dialogue and they have proved instrumental in setting targets in identifying the achievements.
New dimensions of cooperation and successes have come to fore due to Pakistan-US strategic dialogue, he underlined. The agreements reached during his visit to US have fortified ties, he observed. He held that he looks forward to have useful exchange of views on bilateral issues with President Obama during his visit to attend the nuclear security summit later this month. Matters of mutual interest and other issues will be discussed during the meeting with President Obama, he added. He underscored that Pakistan wants to strengthen bilateral ties with the US and bolster cooperation with US in economic and other sectors.
While acknowledging Pakistan’s endeavours for establishment of peace in Afghanistan, the US ambassador said Pakistan’s role for revival of reconciliation process in Afghanistan is commendable. He observed that peace in Afghanistan is not only in the interest of the region but also in the interest of Pakistan. Nawaz said Pakistan was desirous of bringing greater depth and economic substance to its relationship with the US. “The important decisions agreed during my last visit to the US have generated a new momentum in steering our bilateral relations forward.”
Also, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi said on Thursday that stability in the region is directly linked with restoration of peace in Afghanistan. He was while talking to Director General Southeast and South West Asian Affairs Department of Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kazuya Nashida and Deputy Special Representative of Japan for Afghanistan and Pakistan Katsuhiko Takahashi who called on him on Thursday. Fatemi reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue to contribute towards facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process.
He underscored that Pakistan regarded Japan as an important friend and development partner and the two countries enjoyed excellent cooperation in diverse fields. He highlighted the prime minister’s policy of peaceful neighborhood and non-interference in the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to build a constructive and trust-based relationship with all its neighbours. The two Japanese envoys stressed that Japan attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan and would continue to explore ways to further strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two sides. They also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, in line with its policy for a peaceful neighbourhood.
