Peace with Afghanistan cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy: Sartaj Aziz

Stating that Islamabad believes in a politically negotiated settlement through an Afghan-led peace process as the most viable option for achieving peace in the war-torn country, Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, said that peace with Kabul has always been a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

"Pakistan desires durable peace in Afghanistan and seeking close cooperative relations with Afghanistan have always been a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy," the Express Tribune quoted Aziz, as saying on Friday.

Addressing a reception hosted by the Afghan ambassador on his country's Independence Day, Aziz underscored how peace in Afghanistan is linked to peace and stability in Pakistan.

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's vision of a 'peaceful neighbourhood' enshrines a comprehensive partnership with Afghanistan for promoting peace, progress and prosperity in our region," he added.

He emphasized that his country persistently endeavours for constructive engagement with Kabul to further strengthen 'neighbourly ties', based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the cardinal principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

The advisor also highlighted that terrorism remains a common threat to both the both the countries.

"In our view, close cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan is important for eliminating the scourge of terrorism from our region," he added.

Aziz said that Pakistan was committed to the pursuit of comprehensive bilateral engagement in various fields such as in trade, investment, security, counter-terrorism, border management, energy transmission, infrastructure connectivity, Afghanistan's reconstruction and rehabilitation, parliamentary exchanges and cultural, educational and sports links.