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By APD writer Muhammad Sohail
ISLAMABAD, June 25 (APD) -- Following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the three countries have finally agreed to establish two important mechanisms to strengthen mutual cooperation and coordination in dealing with the common challenges to peace and security.
Addressing a joint press conference along with Wang Yi, Adviser to Pakistani Prime Minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said as a result of in-depth discussions with Yi, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China have agreed to have China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers dialogue to discuss all aspects of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations with special focus on economic cooperation.
“Second, a bilateral crisis management mechanism between Afghanistan and Pakistan will be established that would enable the two sides to maintain timely and effective communications in case of any emergencies, including terrorist attacks, with a view to seeking proper solution through dialogue and consultation,” said the adviser.
Yi reached Islamabad on Saturday in a bid to diffuse rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. During his two-day visit, Yi held meetings with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Adviser Sartaj Aziz.
During the talks both sides agreed that terrorism is a common challenge and that it is also a challenge to global peace and stability.
Yi reiterated that China did not interfere into the internal affairs of others, but would lend a helping hand in improving relations, noting that tension in relationship among neighbors is not conducive for regional peace and stability and in the counterterrorism efforts.
“China will do whatever it could do for improvement of ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said Yi.
Talking to the media, Aziz reiterated that Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all its neighbors including India.
“Pakistan has consistently emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan is in its interest and a stable Afghanistan will help promote shared agenda of economic development and regional connectivity”, said Aziz.
The adviser also informed Yi about Pakistan's efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Afghan government in counter-terrorism, border management and voluntary and sustainable return of Afghan refugees.
Before his arrival in Pakistan, Yi visited Kabul on Saturday and had meetings with Afghan leadership in the wake of his efforts to resolve rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
China, Pakistan and Afghanistan have also agreed that the experience of past 15 years had clearly shown that the Afghan conflict could not be resolved only through military means,” said Aziz, adding that sustainable peace in Afghanistan required a politically negotiated settlement through an Afghan-led Afghan-owned peace process by involving Taliban in talks.
Talking to media, Yi said Pakistan has been at the forefront in the battle against terrorism and it has huge contributions, sacrifices and paid huge price in this fight.
Wang Yi also called on Pakistan army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and acknowledge Pakistan army’s sacrifices and contributions for peace and stability, and its prospective role towards regional economic development.
General Bajwa said thanks to Yi for China’s unwavering support to Pakistan and said Pakistan will continue to positively contribute towards regional peace and stability.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
