The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process conference started here on Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurating the event.
The conference aims to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening regional economic cooperation and connectivity, Radio Pakistan reported.
Delegations from 17 countries and 12 international and regional organisations are expected to participate in the process, initiated in 2011 by Afghanistan.
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has arrived in Islamabad to attend the ministrial conference.
She will later in the day hold meetings with Nawaz Sharif and his advisor on national security affairs Sartaj Aziz.
This year's conference theme, "Enhanced Cooperation for Countering Security Threats and Promoting Connectivity in the Heart of Asia Region", would underline commitments from the participating countries for sustained efforts towards promoting peace and security, economic development and connectivity in the region.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app