Pakistan, Afghanistan must cooperate for peace in region: FM Qureshi

FM Qureshi said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are together in every up and down.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday expressed that both Pakistan and Afghanistan need to cooperate in order to prospect peace and prosperity in the region.

While addressing at Institute of Strategic Studies, he said that Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has visited Pakistan at the right time as it will strengthen the ties between both countries. He also said that Afghanistan and Pakistan has supported each other in the past as well.

Talking about the bilateral relations, he asserted that both countries are aware of the challenges and they are with each other in every up and down. “Pakistan’s vision is clear with regard to Afghanistan”, he added. “We, both, are together in every thick and thin situation”.

According to Radio Pakistan, he said delegations of the two countries had constructive engagements this morning. He termed the visit of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan as a turning point.

Talking to media in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan and Afghanistan have joined hands to move ahead together in the best interest of the region.

He said both the countries have also agreed to look into the prospects as to how we can help each other and to rebuild the confidence.

The Foreign Minister said the government has decided to keep Torkham border open for twenty-four hours to ease the process of transportation of goods.

He said efforts are also afoot to tackle the difficulties in the visa process between the two countries.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said government has also constituted a task force to improve the matters of trade and connectivity between both the countries.

He emphasized the need for enhancing connectivity for promoting mutual relations.

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan have discussed matters pertaining to trade, transit trade, investment and connectivity in a cordial ambiance.

The Foreign Minister said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will embark on his visit to Lahore tomorrow, where he will interact with the business community for economic integration.

President Ashraf Ghani appreciated Pakistan’s role in restoration of peace in Afghanistan. Both leaders exchanged views over economy and to amplify communication between the people of both countries.

It was agreed upon to make strategies for the welfare of the people by working on sectors such as communication, energy, culture, bilateral ties and peace.

Let it be known that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reached Islamabad earlier today and was welcomed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Industries and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood.

He met Prime Minister Imran Khan at PM House in Islamabad and discussed matters of mutual interest. Guard of honor was given to the Afghan president at the PM House.