UFA: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the 7th July meeting between Afghan government and Afghan Taliban to promote peace and reconciliation process today.
The statement from the two leaders came during a meeting held on the sidelines of SCO/ BRICS summits here in the Russian Federation today.
During the meeting the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to build a positive and forward looking relationship with Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani appreciated the efforts and role of Pakistan in facilitating peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and expressed the hope that this would lead to a lasting peace and stability in the country.
The two leaders exchanged views on how to carry forward the peace process. They also exchanged views on the efforts being made by the respective sides to counter terrorism and extremism. Both the leaders also reviewed economic cooperation to achieve the shared objectives of peace, prosperity and development.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Ashraf Ghani to jointly inaugurate with him the Ministerial conference of the Heart of Asia process to be hosted by Pakistan in December 2015.
Advisor to PM on National Security, Mr. Sartaj Aziz; Special Assistant to PM, Mr. Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary, Mr. Aizaz Chaudhry were present in the meeting. Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani and National Security Advisor, Mr. Hanif Atmar were also present during the meeting.