Trust deficit with Afghanistan being removed: Khar

KABUL, saying that peace in the two countries was inter-linked.

Speaking at a joint press conference with her German counterpart, Guido Westerwelle, Khar said Pakistan had a clear policy toward Afghanistan and it would continue to play an effective role in bringing peace to the neighbouring country.

Afghan officials have long been accusing Pakistan of supporting, equipping and training militants blamed for attacks in Afghanistan. The US also believes Pakistan’s spy agency, the ISI.

“Pakistan’s efforts at brining peace and stability to Afghanistan are not hidden from anyone. We will continue to assist the Afghan government in restoring peace and stability,” Khar said.

The minister added she had discussed with Westerwelle the upcoming Bonn conference on Afghanistan’s future. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Germany on December 5.

Khar promised Pakistan would play a constructive role in the conference, which she hoped would yield positive results for Afghanistan’s future.

Westerwelle said he had conferred with high-ranking Pakistani officials on the current situation in Afghanistan. He praised Pakistan’s role in promoting the Afghan peace process.

He said Afghanistan and Pakistan should forget the past and work jointly to ensure a better future for the two nations. The visiting dignitary added peace in Afghanistan was not only in the interest of Pakistan, but the entire region.

“Germany wants to see a stable and strong Afghan government before foreign troops pull out of country in 2014,” said Westerwelle, who also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at General Headquarters.

He remained with the COAS for some time and discussed matters of mutual interest, with focus on the Bonn conference and peace process in Afghanistan. He was accompanied by German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Michael Koch.

ma/mud

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