President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the democratic government of Pakistan is committed to defeat the extremist mindset that has hurt both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He was speaking at a joint news conference along with his Turkish and Afghan counterparts in Ankara at the conclusion of trilateral summit.
The President said both Pakistan and Afghanistan have suffered from extremist mindset and the latest attack on Afghan intelligence chief was part of the designs to undermine our joint efforts for elimination of terrorism.
He said as extremists are facing defeat at our hands‚ they are reacting by launching attacks against individuals and personalities.
President Zardari thanked Turkey for hosting the conference and said Pakistan always took Turkish advice seriously.
Replying to a question‚ President Zardari said it is in the interest of Pakistan to support Afghanistan in its quest for peace. He said it is in the interest of Pakistan that Afghanistan prospers and Silk route opens.
The President said Pakistan has long been hosting Afghan refugees and they would go back to their country only if there is a peaceful Afghanistan.
He said nations can never be held hostage by individuals or groups however dangerous and powerful they might be. He said we will have to prove to the world that we will not allow these elements to derail us from the path of progress and prosperity.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul addressing the press conference‚ said that all the three sides agreed to promote trade interaction among themselves. He urged the need for joint struggle of the regional countries to eliminate terrorism and extremism.
Abdullah Gul said that terrorism is not the problem of any one country. He said that Pakistan‚ Afghanistan and Turkey are committed to the peace process in Afghanistan.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said that all the three sides had important interaction for improving mutual coordination.
He said that the trilateral arrangement is proving better for improving relations among all the three countries.
President Karzai said that promises made for peace‚ stability‚ and economic development of the region will have to be materialized so that extremism and terrorism do not threaten the regional countries. He particularly eulogized Turkey’s efforts for eradication of extremism and terrorism.
On this occasion‚ Foreign Ministers of Pakistan‚ Afghanistan and Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding for promotion of commercial and trade links.
Pakistan committed to defeat extremist mindset: President Zardari
