Afghanistan, Pakistan call on Taliban to respond positively to peace offer

Pakistan appreciated Afghanistan’s offer of peace talks to Taliban and both the countries called on Taliban to respond in positive to peace offer and join the peace process without any further delay.

These views have come out of the discussion between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President Ashraf Ghani while they met one-on-one in Kabul. 

During the meeting, Mr. Abbasi welcomed President Ghani’s vision for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and his offer of peace talks to Taliban. The two leaders agreed that there was no military solution to the ongoing Afghan conflict and that the political solution was the best way forward. 

The two leaders reiterated that terrorism was a common enemy and threat. They agreed not to allow their soils to be used for anti-state activities against each other, according to Pakistan’s Press Information Department.

Almost a month ago, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani had offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group as part of a proposed political process that, he said, could lead to talks aimed at ending more than 16 years of war.

In the mid of March, the US Defense Secretary James Mattis visited Afghanistan and offered his full support to the Afghan-led reconciliation process, aimed at achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan. 

Building trust & confidence

President Ghani and Prime Minister Abbasi reaffirmed their resolve to build trust and confidence between the two countries by working closely for peace, prosperity, and stability in their countries. The two leaders agreed to continue the exchange of high-level visits. 

Prime Minister Abbasi extended invitations to President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah to visit Islamabad at their earliest convenience. 

Trade couldn’t be affected by politics

Both the leaders agreed that peace, prosperity, and stability of the two countries are interlinked. They reaffirmed their resolve to work together to address all issues of bilateral and transit trade. They also expressed their firm resolve not to allow politics to affect their economic relationship which was important for the welfare of the peoples of the two countries. 

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional connectivity as they had done in Herat on 23rd February 2018 while jointly inaugurating the entry of TAPI Gas Pipeline from Turkmenistan into Afghanistan. 

They agreed to hold an early meeting of the Joint Economic Commission to take forward planning and implementation of key railroad gas pipeline and energy projects that would integrate Pakistan and Afghanistan with Central Asia. 

The two leaders also agreed to move forward on Chaman-Kandahar-Herat railway line, Peshawar-Kabul Motorway, and other connectivity projects which can help realize the tremendous potential of South and Central Asian Regions by providing shortest access through the seaports of Gwadar and Karachi.

 They emphasized early completion of TAPI and CASA-1000 projects. 

Delegation level meeting

Earlier, delegation level talks at the Afghan Presidential Palace were held. President Ghani and Prime Minister Abbasi discussed the entire gamut of Pak-Afghan relations including peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, the return of Afghan refugees, bilateral trade and regional connectivity. 

Afghan delegation was led by President Ashraf Ghani while Prime Minister Abbasi was leading his country’s delegation. Mr. Abbasi visited Afghanistan for a day-long visit on Friday on an invitation by President Ghani. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was accompanied by Foreign Minister, Interior Minister, Governor KP and National Security Adviser.

#Pakistan & #Afghanistan agree to achieve regional security through connectivity. The understanding came during delegation level talks between PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi & Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
Prime Minister also extended an invitation to President Ghani to visit Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/pUfvLM2zrE

— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) April 6, 2018

Meeting with Abdullah Abdullah

In his meeting with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Prime Minister Abbasi discussed the entire range of bilateral matters and the two leaders agreed on regular leadership contacts. 

Prime Minister of Pakistan announced a gift of 40 thousand tons wheat for the Afghan people. He also announced waiver of additional regulatory duty on Afghan export to Pakistan to help lift the Afghan economy. 

The two sides also agreed to initiate discussions on consular matters and exchange of civilian prisoners. 

Prime Minister also met with senior political leaders including Mr. Gulbadin Hekmatyar, Ustad Mohammad Mohaqiq, Ustad Mohammad Karim Khalili, Pir Sayed Hamed Gailani, to convey the support of the government and people of Pakistan to all ethnic groups in Afghanistan and underscore Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan.