Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who is on an official visit to Pakistan on Thursday praised Pakistan’s efforts for the peace process in Afghanistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the foreign minister said Pakistan would continue playing its role for peace in Afghanistan with sincerity, good intentions and an open heart. “Afghan people have suffered a lot due to the instability prevailing in Afghanistan for decades,” FM Qureshi said.
“Pakistan has always emphasised on result-oriented talks believing that this is the only way to establish durable peace in Afghanistan.”
The minister expressed confidence that the Afghan President’s visit to Pakistan would bring the two countries closer and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to implement the already decided strategy of peace and brotherhood for betterment and welfare of the peoples of the two countries.
They exchanged views to enhance bilateral economy, trade and investment and promote cooperation in communications, energy, culture and people to people contacts.
Ghani arrived in Pakistan earlier today. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Textiles, Industries Production and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood received him at Nur Khan airbase.
The Afghan president was accompanied by his Special Representative and Ambassador Extraordinaire to Pakistan Atif Mashal and a high-level delegation including ministers, advisers, senior officials and businessmen.
During the visit, President Ghani will also hold meetings with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. Wide-ranging talks are expected during President Ghani’s two-day official visit that is seen as part of the latest push to not only sort out differences with Pakistan on bilateral issues but also give new impetus to peace efforts.
This will be the Afghan president’s first visit to Islamabad in over three-and-half-years and comes at a time when peace talks between the United States and Afghan Taliban are believed to have entered a critical phase. President Ghani will travel to Lahore on Thursday where he will participate in a business forum attended by business representatives from both the countries.
