Heart of Asia announces support for Afghan sovereignty, territorial integrity, reconciliation
Delegates calls global community to support Afghan-Taliban talks, increase financial aid to fight terrorism
INP

ISLAMABAD - Countries participating in the Heart of Asia conference have reaffirmed their commitment to respect independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.

Representing views of their countries at the Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, foreign ministers and heads of delegations also supported reconciliation process in Afghanistan and strengthening of regional connectivity.

China’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi called upon all sides in Afghanistan to resume peace talks at an early date in the larger interest of the war-torn country.

He referred to the first round of Afghan government-Taliban direct talks co-sponsored by Pakistan, China and the US and described it as the most positive and meaningful process that needs to be pushed ahead.

He said that international community to respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and honour its commitment to help Afghanistan strengthen its capacity to develop and promote its security.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that his country will continue to work to create better understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan for durable peace in the region. He said that terrorism, drug trafficking and human smuggling are serious threats to the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jawwad Zarif said that terrorism, extremism and narcotics continue to threaten Afghanistan, the region and the whole world. He emphasised the need to disrupt linkage between terrorist network and narcotics as drugs constitute significant sources of funding for terror.

He said that Iran believes in safe, stable and secure Afghanistan as this will be in the interest of the region and beyond.

Addressing the conference, India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that her country is committed to peace, stability and development of Afghanistan.

She highlighted India’s aspiration to have an overland trade access through Pakistan to Afghanistan and Central Asia. She also reiterated India’s desire to become a party to the Transit Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Referring to relations with Pakistan, she said that it is time the two countries display maturity and self-confidence to do business with each other and strengthen regional trade and cooperation.

She said that India is ready to work with Afghanistan to strengthen its defence capability. She said that Afghanistan facing danger from terrorists and not tribes.

US Deputy Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said that all the world stand by Afghanistan against terrorism. He urged global community to increase financial support for Afghan security forces.

Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are vital to each other for peace, stability and prosperity. He called for a collective strategy for uprooting the menace of terrorism and extremism that threaten peace and security in the region.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister said that Islam is a religion of peace and respects human life and dignity. He said that Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to have launched a campaign to fight against terrorism.

Foreign Minister of Kyrgystan Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovs said that terrorism and violence present urgent challenges and there is need to put aside our disagreements and work together under the auspices of the UN and other international organisations to defeat terrorism and extremism. He said apart from fighting terrorism, we should also focus on measures to prevent it.

Tajik Foreign Affairs Minister Aslov Sirojidin Muhridinovich said that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan requires assistance in tackling economic and social problems. He proposed that the conference should identify concrete projects for economic development of Afghanistan and regional connectivity. He also called for fast-track implementation of CASA-1000 project.

Latvian representative said we should redouble our individual and collective efforts to ensure a stable and lasting peace in Afghanistan. He urged the international community to increase economic and financial assistance for Afghanistan.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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