Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to expand security cooperation

[News_Editor]

Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to expand security cooperation

2011-06-11 04:58:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday agreed to expand bilateral cooperation to promote peace and security in both regions, the APP news agency reported.

In addition, the two nations also agreed to boost cooperation in other fields. The agreements were signed after a meeting between Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai in Islamabad.

Zardari also expressed Pakistan's support to the Afghan-led reconciliation process and remarked that peace could not be expected in the region before it is achieved in Afghanistan.

"Pakistan is always with Afghanistan and supports the Afghan led peace process," said Zardari. "We support people and government of Afghanistan. We cannot expect peace in the region without peace in Afghanistan."

Furthermore, Zardari said that the Pakistani-Afghan partnership is fundamental for development of the two countries as both had been bestowed with great human and natural resources.

On the other hand, Karzai remarked that the frequent interaction between the two countries have strengthened the bonds of friendship and promoted common interests. In recent times, Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani have visited Afghanistan in repeated occasions.

Karzai, who arrived to Islamabad on an official visit, announced that the two governments agreed on various joint projects for improving infrastructure, education, health and commercial activities. The Afghan leader labeled the agreements as 'concrete steps'.

"Pakistan wants a strong, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," added Zardari. "Our two countries, he said, are victims of terrorism and militancy. There is a need to continue, and further strengthen, cooperation in fighting terrorism."

Pakistan's Afghan border, which the United States considers to be the most dangerous place on Earth, is known to be a stronghold of the Taliban's Haqqani Network, considered one of the top terrorist organizations and threats to U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

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