Islamabad: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday agreed to evolve a high-level mechanism for consultation and coordination on bilateral issues, the ministry of foreign affairs here said.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Pakistan’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Tashkent.
A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting stated that the proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by the foreign affairs adviser and Afghan foreign minister.
The mechanism will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of the two countries.
It will help resolve issues and prevent the recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently along the Torkham border between the two countries, according to the press release of the ministry.
On the occasion, the two countries reaffirmed their respect for each other’s territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
Sartaj Aziz and Afghan foreign minister reiterated a mutual desire for strengthening bilateral relations to promote peace, counter-terrorism, and accelerating economic progress.
The two sides stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
