Pakistan stresses capacity building of Afghan security forces

KABUL, a statement from the Pakistan foreign ministry said on Sunday

The commitments were made during senior officials meeting of the Heart of Asia Conference in Baku. Mansoor Ahmad Khan, director general in the ministry of foreign affairs led the Pakistani delegation, according to the statement.

He emphasized the importance of capacity building of the Afghan security forces to effectively combat the grave security threats.

He stressed on the need of bilateral engagement for border management and counter-terrorism cooperation to prevent cross-border movement of terrorists.

The meeting discussed the need of continued efforts for peace talks between Afghan government and Taliban under an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process.

The delegates also emphasized that regional economic cooperation and connectivity would strengthen prospects of lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

This was the first senior officials meeting for the next Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference which would be held in Baku, Azerbaijan later this year.

Pr/nh