Peaceful Afghanistan significant for peace, says PM Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that enemies of Afghanistan are also the foes of Pakistan and that ‘peaceful Afghanistan’ is significant for peace.

Inaugurating the ‘Heart of Asia Conference’ along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani here Wednesday, PM Nawaz said, “Afghanistan is a sovereign state and the world community respects its sovereignty.”

The Premier asserted Pakistan remains committed to strengthening ties with all neighbors and regional countries as well as promoting regional cooperation and connectivity.

He warmly welcomed all the guests, participating in the conference and appreciated the process of Heart of Asia Conference.

Addressing the conference the prime minister said, Afghanistan and Pakistan are fighting terrorism adding that Afghanistan’s enemies are Pakistan’s enemies.

The prime minister said that Pakistan wishes for a respectful repatriation of Afghan refugees.

He expressed his desire hope that all countries attending the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference will be united for peace in the region.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in his remarks on the occasion, appreciated Pakistan for launching operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists. He said his country desires strong people-to-people contacts with Pakistan for further strengthening of relations and mutual trust.

He thanked Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees on its territory over the last many decades.

Ashraf Ghani said terrorism is a common problem of Pakistan and Afghanistan as both the countries have suffered immensely in the war against this menace.