Pakistan, Afghanistan and China have resolved to make concerted efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially in Afghanistan.
The point was agreed on during the first round of the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Strategic Dialogue held at Kabul on Monday. The session was attended by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, who led Pakistan’s delegation.
The strategic dialogue was jointly co-chaired by Chaudhry, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao and Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai.
China and Pakistan reiterated support for the “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” peace and reconciliation process.
China and Afghanistan also expressed their support for Pakistan to host the fifth Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in 2015.
During the dialogue, the three sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the situations prevailing in the region, issues of peace and security, and trilateral practical cooperation.
The three parties welcomed the formation of the National Unity Government in Afghanistan and enhanced bilateral interaction between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as increased political, security, counter-terrorism and economic cooperation.
The three sides agreed to carry out a practical cooperation program under the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue and deepen cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and security.
On the sidelines, Chaudhry also held bilateral meetings with Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao.
During the meeting with Hekmat Karzai, the foreign secretary underscored the importance Pakistan attached to a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan.
He noted the commitment of the leadership on both sides to transform the relationship with special emphasis on political engagement, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, trade and commercial interaction, and regional cooperation.
The two sides agreed to hold a structured dialogue at the foreign secretary/deputy minister level, every six months to follow-up on various issues.
In his bilateral meeting with Jianchao, Chaudhry exchanged views on political, economic, defence and security dimensions of the Pakistan-China relations.
The two sides agreed to closely coordinate to not just support efforts for peace and security, but also support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic development.
Comments are closed.