Help fight terror, Pakistan army chief urges Kabul

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The Pakistan army chief on Sunday underlined the need for enhanced cooperation between the neighbours in effectively combating terrorism and extremism.

Gen. Syed Asim Munir stressed increased bilateral cooperation on the common issue at a meeting with visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Islamabad.

Muttaqi is currently on a four-day visit to Islamabad, leading a high-level delegation for trilateral negotiations and meetings with Pakistani officials.

The two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including regional security, Durand Line management and formalisation of mechanisms for a better current security environment.

A statement from the military's media wing quoted Gen. Munir as urging support from the interim Afghan government for tackling matters of mutual interest.

Muttaqi commended Pakistan's traditional support for the people of Afghanistan and acknowledged the important role Islamabad was playing in facilitating peace and development in his country.

He evinced Afghanistan’s keen interest in working closely with Pakistan to promote regional stability and prosperity, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The two sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular contacts to strengthen bilateral relations and address issues of common concern.

Gen. Munir, who also met separately Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.

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