in strengthening the deep-rooted friendship with Afghanistan, while Sharif’s May visit to Kabul had added a new dimension to the mutual commitment for creating a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood in the region.
“It is for the first time that the two brotherly countries are jointly leading a regional platform - a platform that is driven by the firm belief that peace and prosperity in the region can only be achieved in an environment of trust and mutual confidence.
“We are confident to effectively face the challenges that face us today by mutual cooperation for moving forward on the path of peace, progress and prosperity”, Aziz added in a statement from the Foreign Office. Attended by several representatives from world capitals, Aziz lauded the willingness of participating countries in consolidating their efforts for the implementation of projects envisaged for enhancement of economic connectivity which would give a boost to regional prosperity.
Fourteen participating countries, sixteen supporting countries and twelve regional and international organizations are associated with the process.
“Afghanistan holds immense significance for us, not only because we share a common border or ethnic affinity, but also because together we can usher in a new era of regional connectivity and regional cooperation in line with the vision of transformation decade enunciated by President Ashraf Ghani”, said Aziz.
The meeting said the FO will provide a platform to discuss regional issues, particularly encouraging security, political, and economic cooperation among Afghanistan, its neighbours and regional partners in facing common threats, including counterterrorism, counter narcotics, poverty, and extremism, inter alia, through a set of six Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).
In-depth discussions were held on assessment of security situation in Afghanistan and the Heart of Asia region; regional cooperation to address security challenges in the Heart of Asia Region; Afghanistan’s peace and reconciliation process and role of the region in this process as well as regional priorities for economic connectivity, including regional projects like CASA-1000, TAPI gas pipeline and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
There was convergence of views that peace, security and stability are essential for socio-economic development and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region. Therefore, the countries and organizations recognised the need to collectively strive for the attainment of these objectives to create a win-win situation for all.