While reaffirming Pakistan’s support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and a comprehensive fight against terrorism, President Asif Ali Zardari told a gathering of NATO and international partners that Islamabad believes in partnerships based on trust and respect.
He spoke at the expanded ISAF meeting attended by heads of state and government here during the two-day NATO summit. “This is a defining moment for Afghanistan and the region as a whole. I stand here to confirm our belief that a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s national interest,” he said at the summit, seeking international support for Afghanistan after transition by year 2014. “Our destinies are inter-linked,” he declared of the close linkages between the two neighboring countries. The president pointed out to the international gathering that the Salala incident – in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a November 26, 2011 cross-border strike on Pakistani border posts – “came as a serious setback.” “It required that we review our engagement and cooperation. There was a consensus among all political parties in our Parliament on this issue. Our Parliament gave a roadmap for future engagement with NATO and ISAF.”
The democratic forces have taken ownership of that road map, Zardari stated. “We are bound by the advice of our Parliament and the democratic forces. The Pakistani parliament has spoken in favor of cooperation and a partnership approach,” he said, but added. “Such a venture is sustainable on the long-term basis only on the foundation of mutual respect for sovereignty and cooperative spirit.” On the issue of restoring NATO supply lines, the president said the Defence Committee of the Cabinet has considered the issue. “It decided to direct the relevant officials to conclude negotiations for resumption of the Ground Lines of Communication. Our parliament has also recommended that foreign fighters and non state actors seeking to destabilize Afghanistan and the region, if found on our soil, must be expelled.”
“This would require the support of the international community both in terms of resources and capacity building.” It will also require measures aimed at the economic well-being of the people of the areas affected by the military action, he added. Reiterating Pakistan’s support for regional economic integration, the president said he agreed with Afghan president Karzai in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit to extend the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement to Tajikistan and other Central Asian States. Pakistan, he said, remains supportive of all efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. In the context of agenda in support of Afghanistan, the Pakistan leader announced his country would contribute $5 million to support the Afghan National Security Forces, besides 15 million dollars in training and equipment.
Pakistan wants partnerships based on trust, respect, Zardari tells NATO
