Monday, July 4, 2011

Pakistan, Afghanistan condemn attacks by militants

ISLAMABAD, July 4 (APP): Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday while condemning the loss of life and destruction of property by militants on either side stressed effective measures to curb their activities.An “in-depth meeting” between Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Afghan Ambassador Mohammad Umer Daudzai here reviewed the situation following the attacks in Dir, Bajaur, Mohmand and Kunar regions.Both the sides expressed their concern over the activities of the militants.“Pakistan condemns the loss of lives and destruction of property on both sides by the militants. We consider Afghanistan’s loss as our own loss,” a press statement issued at the end of the meeting said.

“It is, therefore, imperative that efforts be redoubled by both sides to attain the objectives of shared peace and security and to enhance cooperation for shared development and prosperity.”
The Foreign Secretary conveyed to Ambassador Daudzai the importance that Pakistan attaches to establishing peace and tranquility in the border region and the importance of effectively curbing the activities of miscreants.
The attacks by the militants on either side, in the recent days have been a matter of deep concern for both the governments and people of Pakistan and Afghanistan leading to contacts at the highest Pakistan-Afghan-ISAF military-to-military levels.
All the sides while agreeing to devising an appropriate strategy to curb the activities of the militants, will be holding another meeting between the military authorities concerned to enhance information-sharing and coordination between Pakistan-Afghanistan and NATO and ISAF.
During the meeting Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir pointed that as affirmed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, “Pakistan desires closest relations with Afghanistan”.
“We believe that both countries are faced with common challenges relating to militancy and terrorism which require deep and close cooperation,” he told the Afghan diplomat.
The Foreign Secretary and the Afghan Ambassador expressed satisfaction on the recent meetings in Kabul. The Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the excellent arrangements made for the holding of constructive talks in Kabul.