Pakistan committed to peace, reconciliation in Afghanistan: PM Nawz Sharif
PM Nawaz Sharif, Turkish President Gul and Afghan President Karzai addressed the summit in Ankara.
ANKARA (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process.
He was addressing a joint news conference along with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Afghan President Hamid Karzai after conclusion of the trilateral summit in Ankara on Thursday.
Nawaz Sharif said his government will continue sincere efforts to promote good neighbourly relations with Afghanistan.
The PM said we are working to build a new chapter in Pak-Afghan relations.
He said Afghanistan is passing through a defining phase of its history and it is time for all Afghans to come forward and make concerted efforts for establishing peace and rebuilding their country. He hoped that the Afghan people would overcome the challenge with resilience and perseverance.
The said Pakistan believes that an inclusive political settlement is key to sustainable peace in Afghanistan and the region and Pakistan would continue to extend all possible facilitation within its capacity. He said challenges are best resolved through common endeavours at the regional and international levels.
The PM said we listened to each other’s reservations and discussed their solutions.
President Hamid Karzai said the summit discussed how to advance the cause of peace in Afghanistan and promote cooperative environment between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He said Afghanistan is passing through an important phase‚ as there would be complete transition of security to Afghan forces with the withdrawal of a great majority of US and NATO forces from his country. He said presidential and provincial council elections are also taking place in the country in April this year.
President Abdullah Gul said Afghanistan‚ Pakistan and Turkey are bound in strong bonds of Islamic brotherhood. He congratulated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for smooth democratic transition in Pakistan.
