ISLAMABAD: Heart of Asia Minister Conference has reaffirmed its support for resumption of Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process for last peace and stability in that country.

Speaking at a joint press stakeout after conclusion of the conference in Islamabad this afternoon, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan Foreign Minister Salauddin Rabbani said the participating countries have pledged to extend cooperation to Afghanistan in overcoming its problems.

Sartaj Aziz said the conference agreed that Afghan refugees should return home with dignity and honour and the international community should provide support for their settlement in their own homeland.

He said the conference also reaffirmed its commitment to Confidence Building Measures and cooperation in disaster management, counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, commerce and investment opportunities, regional infrastructure and education.

He told a questioner that a Border Management Commission between Pakistan and Afghanistan is in place and it is working out recommendations with regard to crossing points, biometric system, documentation and rights of local people. Its meeting at ministerial level is to be convened soon to finalize recommendations.

Afghan Foreign Minister said the joint declaration issued at the end of the conference reflects wide-range of commitments of the participants to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He said we are facing common challenges and coordinated approach is required to tackle them effectively. He said there is need to explore a collective security approach and policy.

To a question he said Pakistan and Afghanistan are discussing a mechanism to take care of each other's complaints. He said leadership of the two countries have agreed that blame game should end.