NATO expects positive role from Pakistan

BRUSSELS (Pajhwok): NATO and in the region.

Rasmussen told a press conference here at the end of a two-day NATO ministerial meeting that they expected Pakistan to live up to its international commitments.

“We appreciate that the Pakistani government and military have taken steps to counter terrorist activities in the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We do believe that there is room for intensified efforts in that respect.”

He said he knew that individual allies were engaging with Pakistan in order to encourage Islamabad to continue the fight against extremism and terrorism in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“I would expect Pakistan to engage constructively with Afghanistan to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.”

His remarks come after police in eastern Kunar province said more than 300 rockets were fired from Pakistan, hitting villages in two districts near the Pakistani border.

About India-Pakistani relations, he said any improvement in the relationship between the two countries would benefit the whole region including Afghanistan.

“It’s my clear view that we need a constructive engagement of all countries in the region if we are to ensure long-term peace and stability not only in Afghanistan but the whole region and in that respect rapprochement between Pakistan and India is crucial.”

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