MOSCOW – Pakistan and Russia stressed that the Afghan issue would only beresolved through negotiation with an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace andreconciliation process for lasting peace in Afghanistan, Radio Pakistan hasreported.

In a meeting in Moscow, Special Secretary of Ministry of Foreign AffairsTasnim Aslam and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov, said thatthere is no military solution to the Afghan problem.

The prevailing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for Pakistanand the region was also discussed during the meeting.

Tasnim Aslam briefed Igor Morgulov on Pakistan’s continued commitment tocombating terrorism. She also highlighted the need for repatriation of morethan three million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan for decades.

Both reiterated their resolve to further deepen bilateral cooperation inthe fields of Trade, Energy, Defence, Education and other fields of mutualinterest.

The Russian side appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorismand expressed willingness to further strengthen cooperation and supportPakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism.