Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Ashraf Ghani agreed to open a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, based on mutual trust and harmony for the benefit of the two peoples and countries and for advancing the cause of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Prime Minister Khan and President Ghani had a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks today. The two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations. The Prime Minister affirmed that Pakistan remained committed to bring about a qualitative transformation in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations as part of his vision of a “peaceful neighbourhood.” The two leaders agreed on the importance of crafting a forward-looking vision of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support the Afghan peace process as a shared responsibility. He underlined that an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process was the only viable option to end decades-long conflict in Afghanistan. In this regard, Pakistan supported a result-oriented intra-Afghan dialogue. The Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and its commitment to stand by the Afghan people at this crucial juncture. Pakistan remained committed to a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan and wished to have stronger political, trade, economic, and people-to-people relations with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister added. The two leaders agreed that enduring peace in Afghanistan would bring rich economic dividends to both the countries. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to broaden and deepen bilateral trade, streamline transit trade, and strengthen efforts for connectivity. It was recognized that early completion of major energy connectivity projects such as Central Asia-South Asia (CASA 1000) electricity transmission line and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline will bring long-term economic benefits to the countries involved. Further ways of strengthening trade, infrastructure and energy connectivity were explored. It was agreed to optimally utilize the existing mechanisms--including Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA) and Joint Economic Commission (JEC) -- to remove difficulties in transit and bilateral trade and to explore new possibilities of mutually-beneficial economic and commercial relations. There was also an exchange of views on regional issues. The Prime Minister shared his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia. Earlier, on arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, President Ashraf Ghani was given a 21-gun salute. There was an official Welcoming Ceremony, including Guard of Honour, at the Prime Minister’s House, where Prime Minister Imran Khan warmly received President Ghani. The Prime Minister also hosted a Banquet Luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary and his entourage. *****
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