Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Muhammad Omar Daudzai on Tuesday stressed the need for friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries which should be based upon mutual trust and said it could help them in combating militancy, violence and terrorism in the region.
“Afghanistan and Pakistan are not only neighbours but their people are also linked through strong bonds,” Daudzai said in an interview with Pakistan Today. He said Afghanistan, Pakistan and United States were the main partners in the war on terror and they must trust each others, which he said, was “essential for winning the fight against militancy”.
He also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive strategy for strengthening ties between the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In response to a question, Daudzai pointed to the improved in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan after the presidents of both the countries held frequents meetings. He also cited Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s recent visit to Kabul, which helped improve bilateral ties.
The Afghan ambassador said unfortunately, certain elements considered “reliable and friendly relations” between the two countries harmful to their nefarious designs; therefore, they were hell-bent to create misunderstanding between the Afghan and Pakistani security in the border region. He recalled the recent incidents of cross-border incursions to prove his point.
Daudzai was of the view that conducive atmosphere was necessary for the Afghan and Pakistani security forces for conducting joint action against terrorists taking shelter in the border areas.
Replying to another question, he said terrorism had endangered the very future of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The US, Pakistan and Afghanistan were the partners in the war on terror and that was reason why his country wanted close relations among three countries.
He said Afghanistan was firm on its stance that it would not allow anyone to use its soil against Pakistan. “We are giving top priority to the cordial relations with Pakistan as thousands of Afghan families have relations in Pakistan.”
Referring to Afghanistan’s relations with the US, Daudzai said no one could neglect United States’ support to Afghanistan in the ongoing war on terror but the bilateral relations must be sustained on the basis of equity.
