We want to build stable relations with neighbouring countries: PM Nawaz
Premier says the two countries have an agreement to not allow their territories to be used against each other
A file photo of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upheld building stable and cooperative ties with all countries, including Afghanistan, as a part of his vision of a peaceful neighborhood.
“With the change of leadership in Afghanistan our two countries have commenced a historic new phase in our bilateral relations," the prime minister said in a statement after his meeting with Afghan Minister for Refugees and Repatriation Sayed Hussain Alemi Balkhi at the PM House in Islamabad.
"We have agreed to look beyond the past and building a forward-looking relationship based on mutual trust.”
The premier said that the countries' focus is on enhanced political engagement, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, trade and economic partnership and regional cooperation.
“Terrorism is a common enemy of both countries and requires our common effort to defeat it. Both the countries have paid a very heavy price at the hands of terrorism and now we have launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb which has broken the backbone of terrorist network in the country,” he added.
The premier said the two neighbouring countries have an agreement to not allow their territories to be used against each other.
Speaking about the crackdown on Afghan refugees following the December attack on a school in Peshawar, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is fully committed to the internationally endorsed Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees.
Read: Repatriation process: Kabul seeks extension in Afghan refugees’ stay
“The two countries should closely engage with UNHCR for devising a realistic roadmap for repatriation of the refugees,” he said.
The premier recalled in the London Conference on Afghanistan held in December last year, he had called upon the international community to support Afghanistan to bring back Afghan refugees living abroad, by helping to create conducive conditions for their sustainable reintegration in their homeland.
Read: PM Nawaz arrives in UK to attend London Conference on Afghanistan
“Pakistan respects the principle of voluntary return and feels encouraged that the Afghan government is creating pull factors to incentivise the return of refugees.”
Nawaz expressed the confidence that Balkhi's visit would help advance the realisation of "comprehensive and enduring" partnership between Afghanistan and Pakistan and said he desires to visit Kabul himself to further bolster bilateral ties.
Balkhi thanked the government of Pakistan for showing deep concern for their Afghan brethren affected by the avalanches in the country and for sending two planeloads of relief goods. He also conveyed best wishes of President Ashraf Ghani to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also asked him to convey his greetings to the Afghan leadership.
Meanwhile, Balkhi said, “We wish our security cooperation deepens and both the countries work as one team, so that terrorists are given a decisive defeat.”
Balkhi apprised the Prime Minister of his earlier meetings in Pakistan at the SAFRON Ministry as well as at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PML-N prioritises development in Balochistan
Separately, PM Nawaz said the government of PML-N has prioritised development in Balochistan and wishes to take all decisions through consultation and cooperation of all parties of the province.
“The government wants to provide equal opportunities to the people living in all parts of the country through infrastructure development especially by constructing better roads and highways,” the premier said, while speaking to Akhtar Mengal, President BNP-Mengal and former Chief Minister of Balochistan.The Prime Minister said Balochistan is an important part of Pakistan's federal democratic system and asked Mengal to play his role in in Parliament so that pace of development in the province increases.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upheld building stable and cooperative ties with all countries, including Afghanistan, as a part of his vision of a peaceful neighborhood.
“With the change of leadership in Afghanistan our two countries have commenced a historic new phase in our bilateral relations," the prime minister said in a statement after his meeting with Afghan Minister for Refugees and Repatriation Sayed Hussain Alemi Balkhi at the PM House in Islamabad.
"We have agreed to look beyond the past and building a forward-looking relationship based on mutual trust.”
The premier said that the countries' focus is on enhanced political engagement, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, trade and economic partnership and regional cooperation.
“Terrorism is a common enemy of both countries and requires our common effort to defeat it. Both the countries have paid a very heavy price at the hands of terrorism and now we have launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb which has broken the backbone of terrorist network in the country,” he added.
The premier said the two neighbouring countries have an agreement to not allow their territories to be used against each other.
Speaking about the crackdown on Afghan refugees following the December attack on a school in Peshawar, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is fully committed to the internationally endorsed Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees.
Read: Repatriation process: Kabul seeks extension in Afghan refugees’ stay
“The two countries should closely engage with UNHCR for devising a realistic roadmap for repatriation of the refugees,” he said.
The premier recalled in the London Conference on Afghanistan held in December last year, he had called upon the international community to support Afghanistan to bring back Afghan refugees living abroad, by helping to create conducive conditions for their sustainable reintegration in their homeland.
Read: PM Nawaz arrives in UK to attend London Conference on Afghanistan
“Pakistan respects the principle of voluntary return and feels encouraged that the Afghan government is creating pull factors to incentivise the return of refugees.”
Nawaz expressed the confidence that Balkhi's visit would help advance the realisation of "comprehensive and enduring" partnership between Afghanistan and Pakistan and said he desires to visit Kabul himself to further bolster bilateral ties.
Balkhi thanked the government of Pakistan for showing deep concern for their Afghan brethren affected by the avalanches in the country and for sending two planeloads of relief goods. He also conveyed best wishes of President Ashraf Ghani to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also asked him to convey his greetings to the Afghan leadership.
Meanwhile, Balkhi said, “We wish our security cooperation deepens and both the countries work as one team, so that terrorists are given a decisive defeat.”
Balkhi apprised the Prime Minister of his earlier meetings in Pakistan at the SAFRON Ministry as well as at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PML-N prioritises development in Balochistan
Separately, PM Nawaz said the government of PML-N has prioritised development in Balochistan and wishes to take all decisions through consultation and cooperation of all parties of the province.
“The government wants to provide equal opportunities to the people living in all parts of the country through infrastructure development especially by constructing better roads and highways,” the premier said, while speaking to Akhtar Mengal, President BNP-Mengal and former Chief Minister of Balochistan.The Prime Minister said Balochistan is an important part of Pakistan's federal democratic system and asked Mengal to play his role in in Parliament so that pace of development in the province increases.