Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that Pakistan seeks a strong and robust partnership with Afghan Government through increased parliamentary cooperation, people to people contacts
Shujat Hamza
Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan and we strongly support Afghan peace process.
Chairman Senate reiterated that Pakistan will continue to pursue its principled position of Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and that only Afghans can determine the future of their country. The Chairman Senate expressed these views while talking to Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan here at Parliament House on Tuesday.
Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that Pakistan seeks a strong and robust partnership with Afghan Government through increased parliamentary cooperation, people to people contacts and economic cooperation for mutual benefit of both the countries.
Chairman Senate observed that Pakistan and Afghanistan share centuries old bonds of brotherhood based on common faith and cultural similarities. He underlined the need to work together to foster the bond of friendship through deeper economic and political engagements. During the meeting, both the leaders discussed in detail ways and means to enhance parliamentary interaction, Afghan peace process, people to people contacts, economic connectivity and bilateral trade cooperation. Chairman Senate called for increased parliamentary linkages while highlighting the significance of parliamentary diplomacy. Chairman Senate said that high level parliamentary interaction can be helpful in removing misperceptions and promote understanding on issues of mutual concern.
Regarding the peace process and inclusivity, the Senate Chairman stated that a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan and we strongly support Afghan peace process. Chairman Senate reiterated that Pakistan will continue to pursue its principled position of Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process and that only Afghans can determine the future of their country. He said that intra-Afghan negotiation provided a historic opportunity to achieve an inclusive, broad based and comprehensive political settlement. He, however, cushioned to remain vigilant against spoilers, who would try to scuttle the ongoing peace process. He said that it is in our mutual interest to thwart their nefarious designs. Chairman Senate further observed that people to people contacts are fundamental element of our ties and we are taking steps to enhance mutual relations and broaden people to people contacts. He apprised that Pakistan is undertaking measures to enhance education, health services and air connectivity with Afghanistan.
Regarding economic relations, the Chairman Senate observed that Pakistan and Afghanistan have immense trade complementarities. He said that closer economic relations provide stronger underpinnings for a durable and constructive relationship.
Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan thanked the Senate Chairman for his candid views. He said that Pakistan is an important country for us and we want to have more strong collaboration with Pakistan to boost trade and economic links and explore more avenues for mutual collaboration. Earlier upon arrival, Afghan dignitaries were welcomed by Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi at the parliament House. Chairman Senate also hosted a reception in honor of the visiting Afghan delegation which was largely attended by Minister, parliamentarians and high ranked government functionaries.
