Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir calls on President Karzai

(2011-01-16)

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, who is presently on a two-day visit to Kabul, called on President Hamid Karzai anddiscussed bilateral realtions, as well as issues related to peace and stability in the region. The meeting lasted for over 75 minutes. He also called on Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul and met with Deputy Foreign Minister Hakimi and Mr Masoom Stankzai, Advisor to President Karzai and Secretary of the High Peace Council.

Both sides resolved to unite efforts for peace, reconciliation and common development. Pragmatic steps will be taken together to promote bilateral cooperatrion. The Foreign Secretary conveyed Pakistan’s full support for Afghanistan-led peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, underlining that stability, peace and unity of Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s vital national interest. Both sides agreed to join hands in determining their own destiny with great hope and confidence. President Karzai appreciated Pakistan’s role and efforts.

The two sides agreed to institute Foreign Secretary-Deputy Foreign Minister consultations.

Tomorrow, the Foreign Secretary will meet Proefessor Burhannudin Rabanni to further discuss peace efforts.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are on the same page and writing together a new chapter of fraternal cooperation for peace and prosperity. The Foreign Secretary’s visit is a follow-up to the process launced by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in December 2011.

Islamabad
16 January 2011

015/2011