Afghan peace process: Nawaz, Ghani agree to take ‘legitimate’ stakeholders onboard

Both the leaders reiterate tackling terrorism on the sidelines of COP 21 summit in Paris

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on Monday to jointly promote the Afghan peace process with legitimate political actors, and act against those ‘who refuse to take the path of peace’.

The understanding was reached at a trilateral meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Ashraf Ghani and British Prime Minister David Cameron on the sidelines of the Climate Change conference in French capital Paris.

“Both leaders agreed to work with all those who would enter such a process as legitimate political actors and act alongside the Afghan government, [but] against those who refuse to take the path of peace,” said the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad.



With regards to resumption of peace and the reconciliation process, the premier reiterated the stance to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.

“Pakistan is committed to build a stable Afghanistan, which is in the interest of the entire region," the statement added.

Briefing the Afghan president on the continuing military offensive against terrorism, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Nawaz said it was also against those who resorted to violence against Afghanistan.



Both the countries face a common threat, and Pakistan would make all efforts to tackle the menace of terrorism affecting the two countries, said the statement.

Reciprocating the sentiments, Afghan president expressed the resolve to work with Pakistan, and develop peaceful relations.

Meanwhile, British prime minister lauded the strong commitment of Pakistan and Afghanistan to work closely for the common objective of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He assured both leaders that the UK would remain available with its support and assistance in their common endeavour to promote the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.





Statement available with The Express Tribune