Visit of UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Nicholas Haysom, to Pakistan

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mr. Nicholas Haysom called on Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi today. He also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. They exchanged views on evolving situation in Afghanistan and positive trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

The SRSG was apprised about the qualitative transformation of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan with special emphasis on political engagement, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, trade and commercial interaction, and regional cooperation.

The Adviser and the SAPM reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for UNAMA and underscored the need for close partnership between Pakistan and UNAMA to advance shared goals of peace and development in Afghanistan. They also welcomed the renewed prospects of intra-Afghan reconciliation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to facilitate the process in all manners possible.

Mr. Haysom acknowledged Pakistan’s pivotal role in peace and stability in Afghanistan. He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan and Afghanistan were deepening cooperation across a broad range – including peace and security, and trade and economic ties. Briefing on UNAMA’s effort for peace and development in Afghanistan, the SRSG restated UN’s commitment for continued engagement and consultation with Pakistan.

This was Mr. Nicholas Haysom’s first visit to Pakistan as SRSG. He previously visited Islamabad as Deputy SRSG last October.

Islamabad
27 February 2014

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