The Adviser Meets the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan

Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, today received Mr. Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.

They reviewed current developments in Afghanistan in the political and security realms and exchanged views on the ongoing regional and international efforts for Afghanistan’s stability.

The Adviser said that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan were on an upward trajectory and the two countries had deepened interactions and improved their economic cooperation. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts for peace and development in Afghanistan. Lauding UNAMA’s role in Afghanistan, he reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for UNAMA.

Mr. Haysom expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s consistent support for UNAMA. He said that UNAMA would continue to engage with the Afghan Government and its regional and international partners for coordinating international civilian efforts in assisting Afghanistan. He concurred that intra-Afghan peace dialogue would require strong regional backing, and appreciated Pakistan’s role in this context.

Mr. Sartaj Aziz emphasized the need for continuous international engagement with Afghanistan to help the country address its fiscal challenges. He said that deeper regional cooperation would be crucial for reinforcing Afghanistan’s national efforts for economic development and regional integration. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support the goal of regional cooperation, particularly in improving energy and trade connectivity.

Islamabad
30 April 2015

143/2015