Ghani stresses practical steps to boost Af-Pak trust

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has stressed practical measures to consolidate the environment of trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Ghani issued the call during a meeting with visiting Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and the delegation he led, the Presidential Palace said on Sunday.

The president called the Pakistani army chief's visit a new opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, a statement from the Palace said.

A number of issues including terrorism, the Afghan peace process, transit trade and overall bilateral relations were discussed at the meeting, the statement added.

The Pakistani delegation assured the president of complete support for the fight against terrorism and Afghan-led peace process. They pledged implementing the strategies suggested by working groups. 

Ghani emphasised upon the working teams to take steps in different sectors and create a clear framework for cooperation on peace and stability in the region. He also stressed creating a system to oversee the commitments of both sides.

The Pakistani delegation promised the working teams would focus on practical plans.

The president said practical steps should be taken for building trust, using the current enabling environment as an opportunity.

Stability in Afghanistan is in interest of both countries and the region at large, as it can help eradicate poverty in both nations, Ghani said.

“We have the responsibility to work for our people and use the current environment for the interests of both countries and the region,” he said. Both agreed to forget the past and work together to realise common objectives.

nh/mds/mud