Nov 18 , 2015
News
Peace in Afghanistan inevitable for stability in the region: Nawaz
APPTASHKENT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said that establishment of peace in Afghanistan was inevitable for peace and stability in the region.
Addressing at a banquet hosted by Uzbek President Islam Karimov in his honour at Kuksaroy Presidential Palace, the prime minister said his government desired to maintain good ties with all countries, including India and Afghanistan.
Referring to various steps taken by his government against extremism and terrorism, he said Pakistan had initiated operation Zarb-e-Azb against the menace that was bearing fruit as law and order situation was improving due to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies.
He said during the meeting with the Uzbek president, the matters of mutual interest, including cooperation in economy, energy and other sectors, were discussed.
Nawaz said there was need to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of climate change, agriculture and science and technology. He said his government desired to build an energy infrastructure corridor to enhance connectivity with the Central Asian states. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor had great importance for the region, he added.
He also extended an invitation to the Uzbek president to visit Pakistan.
President Islam Karimov, in his address, said Pakistan was an important player in the region as well as the world owing to its geographical and geo-political situation.
Earlier, addressing a joint press stakeout after signing of bilateral agreements, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Uzbek President Islam Karimov expressed satisfaction over the bilateral ties and stressed the need for harnessing the full potential of the bilateral cooperation in various spheres. Both the countries agreed to strengthen their ties by enhancing bilateral trade and improving connectivity in the region, what the two sides believed could guarantee regional development.
Nawaz said once the project of rail link between Pakistan and Uzbekistan executed, it would have a greater positive impact on the trade activities of both the countries. The prime minister said both Pakistan and Uzbekistan share the view that peace and stability in the region was essential for better economic activity. The two sides were unanimous to believe that the regional challenges could only be tackled through coordinated and concerted efforts, he added. Nawaz Sharif said the documents signed between the two countries would help a great deal to strengthen the bilateral cooperation and bring the two brotherly countries more closer.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk