Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on coordinated efforts to curb extremism

KABUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan Friday agreed on the need for broad-based and coordinated efforts to curb the twin menace of militancy and extremism that pose a grave challenge to the security of both the countries. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, talking to journalists along with his Afghan counterpart Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta after talks here, said, “Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing the common challenge of terrorism and extremism.”
The foreign ministers in their talks reviewed progress on the Joint Peace Jirga Process and reiterated that it will not be allowed to lose momentum.
Qureshi said Pakistan will shortly host the next meeting of the mini Jirga in Islamabad.
He said he had explained that the recent peace deals in the Tribal Areas were not made with the militants but with the tribal elders, and are aimed at curbing militancy by engaging those willing to negotiate.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said while pursuing the political track, Pakistan has not forgone the military option, nor has it been negligent of its obligation towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“We have not, and will not negotiate with those who are unwilling to for sake the path of violence and destruction,” said the Foreign Minister.
Regarding tackling terrorism in the region, the minister said, “We do not make any distinction between the interests of Pakistan and those of Afghanistan. Pakistan also supports Afghan government’s efforts for national reconciliation.”
“We have also availed this opportunity to discuss the agenda of the forthcoming Paris Conference, where I will be leading the Pakistan delegation,” said the minister.
He said Pakistan will join Afghanistan in calling for international assistance to be channeled through the Afghan Government, in accordance with its wishes and the needs of its people.
Pakistan and Afghanistan will speak with one voice at the Paris Conference, he added.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan will be hosting later this year the 3rd Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA).
Besides discussing other aspects, the Conference will highlight the prospects Afghanistan holds as Asia’s land bridge, he added.
Qureshi said the meetings he had Friday are part of a series of consultations which he hoped will be held regularly with Afghan side.
“I look forward to working in partnership with my distinguished colleague to explore new horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation,” he added.
He said, “It will be our endeavour to expand our multifaceted ties, even further, to the benefit and advantage of our two peoples.”
The Minister said his consultations with his Afghan counterpart covered “the entire gamut of bilateral relations, as well as a range of issues of mutual concern, and regional significance.”
He said he was impressed by the traditional warmth and hospitality extended to his delegation.
Qureshi said the main purpose of the visit was to underscore the immense importance the new leadership of Pakistan attaches to relations with Afghanistan.
Referring to visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to Pakistan, Qureshi said both the countries have taken forward the process of cooperation.