ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Afghanistan have reiterated their commitment topeace and stability of each other and agreed to work in a cooperativeframework for a brighter future and expressed resolve to work together andenhance cooperation to improve bilateral relations.

“It’s time to build bridges. We have a shared history and shared future.That is what our ancestors left for us and we have to leave for ourchildren. We should work for our shared interests in all fields includingpolitical, economic and security. We must protect our relationship andadvance it further,” said Haneef Atmar National Security Adviser (NSA)Afghanistan.

The commitment was made during the visit of National Security AdviserLt.General (R) Nasser Khan Janjua during his visit to Afghanistan onSaturday on a special invitation from National Security Adviser (NSA)Afghanistan Haneef Atmar.

His visit was acknowledged by Afghanistan as a great gesture of Pakistan,particularly after the peace offer made by President Ashraf Ghani, said anews release.

During his visit, the NSA had elaborate and successful meetings withPresident Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, his counterpartHaneef Atmar, Minister of Defense and NDS Chief.

Meetings were held in a very congenial, warm and cordial environment.

President Ashraf Ghani associated strong hopes with Pakistan and said, “Wehave made a sincere and serious offer of peace and together we have to makethe best of it by rising beyond past. Let’s not remain prisoners of pastand lets secure our future with the aim, not to win the war but to end itfor which Pakistan should help”.

He also expressed strong support for regional connectivity with CentralAsian Republics (CARS) to reap the benefits of ideal geo-strategiclocations of Afghanistan and Pakistan. ” Without each other, we are notcomplete,” he added.

He desired for a roadmap to be prepared for a comprehensive engagement withPakistan to carry the relationship further with a leap of faith. Availingthe opportunity, he also handed over the letter of invitation to NSA forthe Prime Minister of Pakistan and expected him to visit as soon aspossible.

The NSA thanked the President for extending an invitation to Prime Ministerof Pakistan and also acknowledged the warmth, displayed for him andPakistan and appreciated the peace offer made by the President.

He termed the peace offer as a light on the other side of the tunnel in awar which had become rather perpetual. Seeking the closure of conflictinstead of winning it is a righteous approach, he added.

He expressed deep sympathies with people of Afghanistan who have seennothing but war since last 40 years. He also expressed complete support forthe peace offer which was long awaited.

“Use of force only injures people; wars are however, virtually wonpolitically” he added. Assuring of Pakistan’s full support for the visionof peace, he, however, highlighted that isolated, blamed and coercedPakistan is of lesser use to Afghanistan.

“The world has started to look at and undermine Pakistan through the prismof Afghanistan which is not correct. We need to commit to each other andinvest in bilateral relationship and Afghanistan needs to stand withPakistan and both need to win peace together. Our peace is mutual, let’sseek it together” he said.

The same sentiments were acknowledged and reciprocated by the AfghanGovernment. They also agreed to seize this moment collectively and toimprove bilateral relations in pursuit of the common objectives. – APP