Countering terror: Islamabad, Beijing and Kabul agree to deepen security cooperation

Three sides resolve to make concerted efforts in maintaining peace in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Afghanistan and China agreed on Monday to take practical steps and deepen their cooperation in security and counter-terrorism after a trilateral ‘strategic dialogue’ held in Kabul.

The first round of the strategic dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao and Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

The three sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in the region, issues of peace and security and trilateral practical cooperation. They resolved to make concerted efforts for maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan.

China and Pakistan reiterated support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. Beijing and Kabul expressed their support for Islamabad to host 5th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in 2015.

The three parties welcomed the formation of the national unity government in Kabul and enhanced bilateral interaction between Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as increased political, security, counter-terrorism and economic cooperation.

On the sidelines of the strategic dialogue, Pakistan’s foreign secretary held bilateral meetings with Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai and China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao.

During the meeting with Karzai, Aizaz Chaudhry underscored the importance Pakistan attached to a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan. He noted the commitment of the leadership on both sides to transform relationship with a special emphasis on political engagement, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, trade and commercial interaction, and regional cooperation.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2015.