'Bilateral cooperation mechanism': Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to early implementation: foreign office

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to early implementation on "Bilateral cooperation mechanism" for addressing the common challenges, especially the issue of terrorism. This was agreed in a meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal, according to Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria.
During the course of their cordial exchanges, Zakaria said, the special assistant stressed the importance of a peaceful politically negotiated settlement as the best solution to the Afghan conflict. In this context, he highlighted the serious efforts undertaken by Pakistan for facilitating an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process. "Fatemi also emphasised that terrorism is a common threat that requires cooperation between the two countries for elimination of this menace," the spokesperson said.
Recalling the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan carried out by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from the Afghan soil, Fatemi underlined the need for effective border management for preventing cross-border movement of terrorists.
The spokesperson further said that Ambassador Zakhilwal thanked the SAPM for the constructive exchanges while stressing the need for a meaningful institutional engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan for addressing the common challenges and threats.
"In this regard, both sides agreed for early implementation of the bilateral cooperation mechanism recently agreed between the two sides," he added. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told a visiting 14-member delegation of the Afghan media that the relations between the two brotherly countries are rooted in common history, religion, culture and people to people ties.
He added that like their past, Afghanistan and Pakistan also share their destiny. It is, therefore, important that the two countries closely work together for dealing with the common challenges and pursue the welfare and progress of the people, he added. Reiterating Pakistan's desire for lasting peace in Afghanistan, the adviser said that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and the focus should be on political settlement through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.
In this regard, he highlighted serious efforts made by Pakistan for peace talks between Afghan government and Taliban, adding that cooperation between the two countries is important for promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Zakaria further said that the members of the Afghan media delegation had a frank and candid conversation on the efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening of bilateral engagement. The delegation is undertaking a visit to Pakistan from April 2-8, 2017 for interaction with government, parliamentary and civil society institutions.