Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Thursday underscored the need for continued engagement and support of international community for sustainable economic development and growth in Afghanistan.
Meeting Afghan President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, the adviser reiterated Pakistan’s earnest desire for lasting peace in Afghanistan which was important for stability and progress for both the countries.
The Afghan president thanked Pakistan’s pledge of further $ 500 million economic assistance to Afghanistan at the Brussels Conference, which demonstrated Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the government and people of Afghanistan.
He suggested that the two governments should work together to identify the projects in consultation with the Afghan government according to its development priorities.
President Ghani also appreciated the announcement of a second tranche of 3,000 scholarships for Afghan students in Pakistan’s universities, which would greatly help in institution building in Afghanistan. The Afghan president and adviser also discussed efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Emphasising that lasting peace and stability could be achieved through a politically negotiated settlement, Sartaj commended Afghan government and people for concluding a peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami. He expressed hope and optimism that this development could lead to opportunities for similar peace arrangements with other insurgents.
