Pakistan, Iran urge ‘credible’ Afghan peace process

Hold informal consultations on regional situation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday called for the resumption of a ‘credible political process’ owned and led by Afghanistan to seek lasting solution of the lingering conflict in the war-torn country.

The joint statement came after informal consultations between senior foreign ministry officials of the two neighbouring countries.

The first round of informal consultations held in Islamabad at the level of Director Generals of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on regional situation, especially on efforts being made for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In the consultations Pakistani delegation was led by Director General (Afghanistan) Mansoor Ahmad Khan in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the Iranian side was led by Director General Rasoul Eslami of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who visited Islamabad for these consultations.

 



A statement issued by the Foreign Office said the two directors general reaffirmed commitment and support of Pakistan and Iran to the efforts of Afghanistan and the international community for achieving lasting peace, stability and progress in Afghanistan “which is important for regional stability”.

“Underlining that there is no military solution to the prolonged Afghan conflict, they emphasise the need of a credible political process owned and led by Afghanistan for an internal settlement,” the statement added.

The Pakistani delegation stated that it attaches importance to engagement with Afghanistan in political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction to “strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries.

Recognising that terrorism was a major threat to global and regional peace, the two sides discussed that threats such as increasing terrorism and violence in Afghanistan, rising drug production and trafficking, and expanding foothold of Da’ish posed ‘challenge’ for Afghanistan and its neighbourhood.



They emphasised the need of making concerted efforts and cooperation among all states in counterterrorism, border management and combating production and trafficking of narcotics. The two sides also underscored the importance of dignified return and resettlement of refugees in Afghanistan.

The ways for deepening regional economic cooperation and enhancing connectivity between the countries of the region were also discussed.

This was the first round of bilateral consultations with Iran on regional peace and security with focus on the situation in Afghanistan.

The two sides agreed to continue the informal consultations as part of their strong commitment to peace, stability and progress in Afghanistan, and the region.