Pakistan committed to support goal of regional cooperation: Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has emphasized the need for continuous international engagement with Afghanistan to help resolve its fiscal challenges. He expressed these views during a meeting with UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Nicholas Haysom. The meeting reviewed current developments in Afghanistan in the political and security realms and exchanged views on the ongoing regional and international efforts for Afghanistan's stability. The adviser said deeper regional cooperation would be crucial for reinforcing Afghanistan's national efforts for economic development and regional integration. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to support the goal of regional cooperation, particularly in improving energy and trade connectivity. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan were on an upward trajectory and the two countries had deepened interactions and improved their economic cooperation. Nicholas Haysom said UNAMA would continue to engage with the Afghan government and its regional and international partners for coordinating international civilian efforts in assisting Afghanistan. He concurred that intra-Afghan peace dialogue would require strong regional backing, and appreciated Pakistan's role in this context.