Sharif unveils 9-point Afghan uplift strategy

KABUL.

At the London Conference, Prime Minister proposed a nine-point plan for consideration by international partners to bring socio-economic development to Afghanistan, the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul said.

Sharif told delegates to send a clear message of deeper engagement with Afghanistan, respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide continued financial assistance for building a secure and self-reliant Afghanistan.

According to a statement from the embassy, Sharif urged the global fraternity to base its development cooperation on the priorities of the Afghan government and intensify efforts against narcotics production and trafficking.

He also drummed up international support for the new government to bring back five million Afghan refugees living abroad, by helping to create conducive conditions for their reintegration.

Support for regional connectivity projects, creation of communications and energy corridors            and reinforcement of economic confidence-building measures of the Heart of Asia are other salient features of the strategy.

The premier said he shared President Ghani’s vision for a comprehensive and enduring partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which contributed to the security and prosperity of the two nations and reinforced efforts for peace and development in the region.

“We agreed that terrorism, a common enemy, must be fought through common endeavours, without any distinction. We reaffirmed the commitment that neither side would allow its territory to be used against the other.”

He added both countries had initiated actions to deepen security cooperation, promote bilateral trade and resolve transit trade issues and build a stronger economic relationship with focus on investments.

 Afghanistan and Pakistan had agreed to hasten the implementation of key trans-regional energy projects – particularly CASA-1000 and TAPI gas pipeline, he said. The neighbours are working together to promote the Heart of Asia Process, as Pakistan hosts its 5th Ministerial Conference in 2015.

pr/mud

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