Foreign Secretary Attends First Round of China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Strategic Dialogue, Meets with his Counterpart and Calls on Afghan Ministers

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry led the Pakistan delegation during the first round of China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Strategic Dialogue, held in Kabul today. The Strategic Dialogue was jointly co-chaired by the Foreign Secretary, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao, and Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai.

In the Strategic Dialogue, 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. The three sides resolved to make concerted efforts in maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan. China and Pakistan reiterated support for the “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” peace and reconciliation process. China and Afghanistan expressed their support for Pakistan to host 5th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in 2015.

The three parties welcomed the formation of the National Unity Government and enhanced bilateral interaction between Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as increased political, security, counter-terrorism and economic cooperation. The three sides agreed to carry out practical cooperation program under the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue and deepen cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and security.

On the sidelines of Strategic Dialogue, the Foreign Secretary held bilateral meetings with Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai and Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao. During the meeting with Mr. Hekmat Karzai, the Foreign Secretary 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 the relationship with special emphasis on political engagement, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, trade and commercial interaction, and regional cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold a structured dialogue at the Foreign Secretary/Deputy Minister level, every six months to follow-up on various issues.

In his bilateral meeting with Mr. Liu Jianchao, the Foreign Secretary exchanged views on political, economic, defence and security dimensions of the Pakistan-China relations. The two sides agreed to closely coordinate to support efforts for peace and security and Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic development.

During his stay in Kabul, the Foreign Secretary called Afghan Interior Minister Noor ul Haq Uloomi. The Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of close coordination between security and law enforcing agencies of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr. Uloomi said that good-neighbourly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were vital for peace and security in the region. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation on border management. In this context, General Ayub Salangi, Afghan Senior Deputy Interior Minister, would soon visit Pakistan.

The Foreign Secretary also called on Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and discussed whole gamut of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. He conveyed the greetings from Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs and reiterated the invitation to him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Mr. Rabbani expressed commitment to work closely with Pakistan to strengthen Pakistan-Afghanistan ties in all areas.

Islamabad
9 February 2015

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