KABUL: Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan on Saturday resolved to continue their efforts to build mutual political trust, strengthen relations, support reconciliation process and deepen security and development cooperation.
The resolve came at the second round of trilateral ministerial dialogue held in Kabul today. The foreign ministers of the three countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Counter-Terrorism to advance cooperation in this respect at the conclusion of the meeting.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside his Chinese and Afghan counterparts, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called for ending blame game between Pakistan and Afghanistan and building mutual trust between the two countries.
“I came here to make trust bridge and reach peace and stability. Any improvement in Afghanistan will benefit Pakistan.I am here to boost our bilateral trade,” Qureshi said.
“I am here to engage with Afghanistan and your happiness lies in my happiness. That is my mindset. Let’s not stick to the past and stop putting finger on Pakistan,” he added.
He stressed that only through collective efforts they can wipe out terrorism and achieve the objectives of peace and development.
The foreign minister said Pakistan will benefit the most from peace and stability in the neighboring country.
He said Pakistan will extend cooperation to bring all the afghan groups to the table of negotiations. He, however, said it is up to the Afghans themselves as to how they want to achieve the goal of peace.
Qureshi said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both Afghanistan and Pakistan are friends of China and his country will extend every possible cooperation to build trust and confidence between the two countries.
He said his country will also assist in establishing connectivity projects including a rail line between Peshawar-Kabul and Kandahar.
The Chinese foreign minister said the afghan reconciliation process can be taken forward by bringing the Taliban to the table of negotiations.
Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani said Pakistan has an important role for peace in Afghanistan. He said peace in his country is vital for peace and security of the entire region.
He said eradication of terrorism will pave the way for economic development and job creation.
