Pakistan, EU reaffirm determination to strengthen long-term partnership
Pakistan, EU reaffirm determination to strengthen long-term partnership
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The European Union and Pakistan reaffirm their determination to strengthen in a strategic way their long-term, forward-looking and broad-based partnership for regional peace, development and prosperity.
According to a joint declaration after strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union via video link on Wednesday, both sides wished to jointly reflect on the current state of play of the Afghan Peace Process, and encourage its unwavering continuation.
They reaffirm their strong support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
The statement said that EU and Pakistan welcome the start of the process of direct Intra-Afghan Negotiations and the new chapter this opens and said its success depends primarily upon the Taliban and the Afghan Government.
It said that both sides should make earnest efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The statement said these negotiations should be held with the aim of protecting and strengthening the achievements of the last 19 years in the areas of socio-economic development, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, notably women and youth, and lay the democratic foundation of a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. Both sides urged the international community to support Afghanistan for creating conditions for the timely and early return of Afghan refugees.
They call on the parties to observe a lasting humanitarian ceasefire, in response to the global appeal by UN Secretary General Guterres, and to strive towards a complete elimination of violence as a clear demonstration of their genuine commitment to lasting peace and reconciliation.
The EU and Pakistan also underline the importance of cross-border and intra-regional activities and initiatives that promote the region s economic integration and development, and express their willingness to engage in constructive initiatives thereon. They are convinced that combatting terrorism, the illicit economy, including drug trafficking and illegal mining, opposing money laundering and financing of terrorism, and preventing smuggling of human beings will serve the cause of peace in Afghanistan as well as the betterment of the whol
