Abdullah Abdullah appreciates Pakistan’s support for peace process

ISLAMABAD/KABL : Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation chairman Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed Afghan peace process. During the telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasized importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations, which are based on commonalities of faith and culture, shared history, and fraternal bonds between the two peoples. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further deepen these brotherly ties and enhance cooperation in all fields. He underlined his long-standing belief that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a negotiated political settlement was the only way forward. Highlighting Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process, Imran Khan stressed that the Afghan leaders must seize this historic opportunity to achieve an inclusive political settlement contributing to durable peace, security and prosperity in Afghanistan. Pakistan looks forward to the commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations at the earliest, the prime minister said. PM Imran extended best wishes to Dr Abdullah Abdullah as Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and expressed the hope that the Council will successfully achieve its objectives. He reiterated the invitation to Dr Abdullah Abdullah to visit Pakistan at the earliest to share perspectives on advancing the Afghan peace process and forging closer ties between the two countries. On the other hand, the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation chairman appreciated Pakistan’s support for the peace process. He said, “An exceptional opportunity for peace has been provided in Afghanistan and we must seize this opportunity to achieve it.” The Afghan leader thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for his cooperation in the regional consensus for achieving peace and for the invitation to visit Pakistan.