UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Calls on the Adviser

Mr. Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan called on Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, today. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry was also present in the meeting. The two sides, inter alia, reviewed the emerging political and security dynamics, and international efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Adviser said that Pakistan wished to constructively and meaningfully engage with Afghanistan in all spheres of bilateral relations. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with international community for peace, stability and development in Afghanistan. He stated that upcoming Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in December 2015 at Islamabad would significantly contribute towards this goal.

Underscoring that peace in Afghanistan was vital for peace in the region, the Adviser said that an enduring peace would only come through an inclusive political dialogue. He said that international community was also desirous of early resumption of the stalled peace process in Afghanistan, which in Pakistan’s view was the best course of action. He added that Pakistan would facilitate the resumption of peace process, if approached by the Afghan Government.

Mr. Haysom appreciated Pakistan’s contribution towards peace and development in Afghanistan and lauded Pakistan’s role in launching much needed Afghan peace process. He concurred that intra-Afghan peace dialogue would require strong regional backing and expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to play its facilitative role.

The two sides also discussed repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and their sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan. The Adviser urged that UNHCR must step up its efforts to mobilize international support to develop absorption capacity of Afghan Government for sustainable integration of returning refugees.

Islamabad
13 November 2015

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