Pakistan, EU to work jointly on regional peace, stability

ISLAMABAD, March 25 (APP):Pakistan and the European Union (EU) Monday reiterated their joint commitment to genuine regional peace and stability.
In the 4th Session of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held here between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, discussed regional and foreign policy issues of mutual interest, notably the situation in Afghanistan, a Foreign Office press statement said.
Both parties recognized the need to seize the current and unique momentum for bringing about lasting peace in Afghanistan, which was essential for social development and economic prosperity across the region.
Pakistan welcomed the five-point offer of assistance made by Mogherini in November last year Ministerial Conference in Geneva.
The EU expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate a politically negotiated settlement in Afghanistan, in particular in the framework of the Afghan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity.
The EU appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding support in hosting millions of Afghan refugees during the last 40 years as well as its continued support for the infrastructure and human resource development in Afghanistan.
Recognizing the mutually reinforcing dimensions of peace, stability and development, Pakistan and EU, agreed to join efforts to resolutely support the Afghan peace process going forward, stressing that this process should be truly Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.
Both agreed to facilitate an inclusive dialogue among the Afghans, notably between the government and the Taliban, which should begin as soon as possible.
Pakistan and EU agreed to continue efforts to fighting international terrorism in all its forms and taking decisive and concrete action by all sides and at all levels.
Both agreed to help and facilitate taking the Afghan peace process forward, notably through constructive initiatives at regional level and with international partners.
The two sides also agreed to uphold progress made over the past 18 years in Afghanistan, which should be irreversible, in particular on the fundamental rights of women as well as their inclusion in the broader peace agenda, children, minorities and vulnerable groups;
Pakistan and EU agreed to enable and foster connectivity between Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries in the region in order to bring important dividends to the wider region, not least by increasing regional trade.
The two sides agreed to make joint efforts in mobilizing additional and sustained international assistance for enabling voluntary and dignified return of Afghan refugees.
The EU and Pakistan welcomed all international efforts aimed at genuinely ending the conflict and bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan.