- Pakistan, India should grow up and do business with each other, says Sushma Swaraj
- Global community global urged by delegates to increase financial support for Afghan security forces
- China tells Afghanistan to resume peace talks with Taliban soon for its own good
- Iranian Foreign Minister highlights the link between terrorism, extremism, narcotics, which continue to threaten Afghanistan, the region and the whole world
Countries participating and supporting the Istanbul Process have reaffirmed their commitment to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.
Representing views of their countries at the Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad Wednesday, foreign ministers and heads of delegations also supported the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and the strengthening of regional connectivity.
Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi called upon all sides in Afghanistan to resume peace talks at an early date in the larger interest of the country.
He referred to the first round of Afghan Government-Taliban direct talks co-sponsored by Pakistan, China and the United States and described it as a most positive and meaningful process that needs to be pushed ahead.
The Chinese foreign minister called upon the international community to respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and honour its commitment to help Afghanistan strengthen its capacity to develop and promote its security.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his country would continue to work to create better understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan for durable peace in the region. He said terrorism, drug trafficking and human smuggling are serious threats to the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Jawwad Zarif said terrorism, extremism and narcotics continue to threaten Afghanistan, the region and the whole world. He emphasised the need to disrupt the linkage between terrorist network and narcotics, as drugs constitute significant sources of funding for terror.
He said that Iran believes in a safe, stable and secure Afghanistan, as this will be in the interest of the region and beyond.
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stated that her country is committed to peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.
She used the platform to highlight India’s aspiration to have an overland trade access through Pakistan to Afghanistan and Central Asia. She also reiterated India’s desire to become a party to the Transit Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Referring to relations with Pakistan, she maintained it is time the two countries display maturity and self-confidence to do business with each other and strengthen regional trade and cooperation.
She said that India is ready to work with Afghanistan to strengthen its defence capability. She said Afghanistan faces danger from terrorists and not tribes.
Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani said Pakistan and Afghanistan are vital to each other for peace, stability and prosperity. He called for a collective strategy to uproot the menace of terrorism and extremism, which threatens peace and security.
Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovs said that terrorism and violence present urgent challenges and there is a need to put aside our disagreements and work together under the auspices of the UN, and other international organisations, to defeat terrorism and extremism.
He said apart from fighting terrorism, we should also focus on measures to prevent it.
Tajik Foreign Minister Aslov Sirojidin Muhridinovich said that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan requires assistance for tackling economic and social problems. He proposed that the Conference identify concrete projects for economic development in Afghanistan, and regional connectivity.
He also called for fast-track implementation of the CASA-1000 project.
The Latvian Foreign Minister said that the region should redouble individual and collective efforts to ensure a stable and lasting peace in Afghanistan. He urged the international community to increase economic and financial assistance for Afghanistan.
US Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said all the world countries stand by Afghanistan in its efforts against terrorists. He urged the global community to increase financial support for Afghan security forces.
The Saudi deputy foreign minister said Islam is a religion of peace and respects human life and dignity. He said Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to launch a campaign to fight terrorism and protect its people.