Sartaj Aziz is on a three-day official visit to the UK for the second foreign minister-level review of the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD). PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies(IISS) London, Aziz reviewed the wars in Afghanistan and recalled its reputation for being a “graveyard of empires.”
“As for the current phase, the post-9/11 military intervention by the US has become the “longest war” in American history. The results of this venture are mixed at best.”
Talking about spill-overs from Afghanistan, Aziz reminded that going forward “a major source of concern for Pakistan remains the specter of any fresh influx of refugees – with all its attendant consequences.”
“In the medium and longer term perspectives, Pakistan’s vision of progress and prosperity through enhanced regional economic cooperation cannot be realised without peace and stability in Afghanistan.”
Aziz emphasised that that any impulse to abandon Afghanistan -- again -- must be strongly resisted to ensure stability and peace.
Discussing cooperation with British cabinet secretaries
Aziz, currently on a visit to United Kingdom for review of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) between Pakistan and UK, met the International Development Secretary Justine Greening, Home Secretary Theresa May and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.
International Development Secretary Greening appreciated the concrete steps taken by the present Pakistan government in the areas of tax collection and economic reforms, and was hopeful that the present political dispensation would be able to achieve the desired objectives.
Secretary Greening also stated that the Department for International Development (DFID) programme in Pakistan was their most successful programme.
She reiterated UK’s commitment to extend further assistance to help Pakistan meet its reform targets and enhance trade and investment in this country.
Home Secretary Theresa May lauded Pakistan’s new internal security policy and offered UK’s support for its timely and effective implementation.
She also said that Pakistan’s stability was important for the entire south Asian region, and that UK was ready for its meaningful cooperation to strengthen regional security.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond discussed the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and hoped for a positive outcome of the next round of Defence Cooperation Forum (DCF) being held in London next week.
The post-Nato withdrawal scenario in Afghanistan and its implications for the region were also discussed in detail.
Adviser Sartaj Aziz appreciated UK’s support and cooperation in diverse areas including socio-economic development, security and counter-terrorism, and defence.
He briefed his British secretaries on the initiatives undertaken by Pakistan on revival of economy, addressing energy crisis, introducing transparency and good governance, and on expanding tax base.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over cooperation under the framework of ESD and hoped that the targets set under the framework would be achieved within the given time frame.
He is expected to participate in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting on March 14, 2014.
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Reputation for "Graveyard of empire". How irresponsible... U are talking about a sovereign country Afghanistan and afganis' didn't u think about hurting their nationalistic pride before using such language?.. One expects better from a diplomat.
Result of America’s longest war mixed at best: Aziz
If by mixed he means a complete failure, I agree.
Other than pointing out the Western designed Afghanistan disaster, the meetings appear to ones of self congratulatory back slapping. I suppose that is better than the never ending Western carping over their semi-failed Ukrainian plan.
Of course for Pakistan to ignore the its role in lengthening this war by providing those world famous "Safe Havens" in FATA for the Haqqani and other militant/terrorist groups (Good Taliban Assets!) to operate against the Americans and Afghans is hilarious! I believe that one retired Pakistani General now ET columnist recently wrote of Pakistan's open support of the Afghan Taliban in this war! The Americans have a good memory of this deceit, and when they leave this region Pakistan's begging bowl will find few takers!
Look who is talking. The result of Pakistan’s longest war on terror was nil at best.