Fighting common enemies: Zardari meets Afghan CEO Abdullah in Kabul

Need for enhanced cooperation in trade and in fight against terrorism discussed

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah and former president Asif Ali Zardari Thursday called for joint efforts against terrorism as this menace poses serious threats to both countries and the region.

Asif Zardari, leading a PPP delegation, met Dr Abdullah at his office and discussed bilateral relations, the regional situation and also underlined the need for enhanced economic cooperation, Abdullah’s office said.

“The current environment requires new decisions. Pak­istan, Afghanistan and the whole region faces serious threats and these threats need new cooperation,” a statement from Abdullah’s office quoted the Afghan leader as saying. The Pashto-language statement was sent to The Express Tribune.

Zardari and several PPP leaders are visiting Kabul on the invitation extended by President Ghani during his visit to Islamabad, said Senator Farhatullah Babar.

The two leaders agreed that the time has come for both countries to “sincerely and jointly” fight against terrorism.

“There are no good and bad terrorists... no one should expect peace if he sows the seed of hatred,” the statement quoted Zardari as saying.

The Foreign Office also welcomed the visit of the opposition leaders to Kabul.“We encourage contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan at various levels,” spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said.

Zardari also held a meeting with Afghan President Ashraf late in the evening.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2015.