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PR. No.156/2008
Date: 06/06/2008
TRANSCRIPT OF FOREIGN MINISTER MAKHDOOM SHAH MAHMOOD QURESHI'S STATEMENT AT THE JOINT PRESS STAKEOUT WITH AFGHAN FOREIGN MINISTER DR. RANGIN DADFAR SPANTA (KABUL, 6 JUNE 2008)
It is a matter of profound pleasure for me to visit Afghanistan on the invitation of my friend and colleague, Foreign Minister Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta. This is my maiden visit to Kabul , and among the first few I have undertaken after taking over as Foreign Minister of Pakistan. I am most impressed by the traditional warmth and hospitality that has been extended to my delegation. For this, may I express my gratitude.
Besides having discussions with the Foreign Minister, I will have the privilege of calling on President Karzai, and benefiting from his wise counsel.
I have come here to underscore the immense importance the new leadership of Pakistan attaches to relations with Afghanistan . In April earlier this year, Dr. Spanta and I had decided to reinvigorate our two countries' age-old ties, and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation with a renewed sense of vigour, and in a spirit of complete mutual trust and understanding.
This morning, I am happy to report that we have taken forward this process. Our consultations have covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations, as well as a range of issues of mutual concern, and regional significance.
Militancy and extremism pose a grave challenge to the security of both our countries. Dr. Spanta and I have agreed on the need for broad based and coordinated efforts to curb this twin menace. To this end, we have reviewed progress on the Joint Peace Jirga Process. This will not be allowed to lose momentum. Pakistan will shortly host the next meeting of the mini Jirga in Islamabad .
Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing the common challenge of terrorism and extremism. In Pakistan 's view peace is indivisible. I have explained that the recent peace deals in the Tribal Areas were not made with the militants but with the tribal elders, and are aimed at weaning the hard core militants away from those willing to negotiate. While pursuing the political tract, Pakistan has not forgone the military option, nor have we been negligent of our obligation towards peace and stability in Afghanistan . We have not, and will not negotiate with those who are unwilling to forsake the path of violence and destruction. In tackling terrorism in our region, we do not make any distinction between the interests of Pakistan and those of Afghanistan . Pakistan also supports Afghan government's efforts for national reconciliation.
We have also availed this opportunity to discuss the agenda of the forthcoming Paris Conference, where I will be leading the Pakistan delegation. At the Conference, Pakistan will join Afghanistan in calling for international assistance to be channeled through the Afghan Government, in accordance with its wishes and the needs of its people. Pakistan and Afghanistan will speak with one voice in the Paris Conference.
Pakistan will be hosting later this year, the Third Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA). Besides discussing other aspects, the Conference will highlight the prospects Afghanistan holds as Asia 's land bridge.
The meetings I have had earlier today are part of a series of consultations which I hope, we will hold regularly with Afghan side. I look forward to working in partnership with my distinguished colleague to explore new horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation. It will be our endeavour to expand our multifaceted ties, even further, to the benefit and advantage of our two peoples.
Islamabad
06 June 2008
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