China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral dialogue calls for efforts for peace, stability

The China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral dialogue on Sunday expressed its aim to further increase and strengthen links among the three neighboring countries to bring peace, security and stability to the region.

The two-day track 1.5 dialogue among China, Afghanistan and Pakistan was organized by Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) in collaboration with Konrad Adeneaur Stiftung in Islamabad.

The first conference in this regard was held in Beijing in August last year under the joint auspices of China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the PCI.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Janan Mosazai, Chairman of the PCI Senator Mushahid Hussain, and other strategists, academicians, diplomats and foreign relation experts attended the dialogue to discuss the current security and political situation in Afghanistan and its implications for neighboring countries.

The participants and speakers are discussing different strategic issues to draw a roadmap for the future and to seek regional cooperation on Afghanistan.

In his welcome address, Mushahid Hussain said "This is the ' Asian Century' and Asian countries must decide their own destinies, which are interlinked, together through consensus and consultation. "

Terming it a unique initiative that can bring the three neighbors closer together, Hussain said it is the important time and opportunity to bring forward specific policy recommendations for peace and security, regional economic cooperation and combating terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said it is an important platform for the three countries to strengthen communication and cooperation on regional affairs.

Urging international community to support Afghanistan, Ambassador Sun said China hopes that international cooperation could be helpful for Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the smooth transition.

Commending Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and its role in region affairs, Sun said China appreciates Pakistan's steps to promote dialogue and improve relations with Afghanistan.

A statement from the PCI said cooperation between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan will form crux of the tripartite initiative which is the core objective of the dialogue.

Particular areas of concern that are to be addressed in the two- day conference include the refugee presence in Pakistan, cross- border terrorist movement, the capacity of the Afghan national security forces, protection of foreign investments in Afghanistan and the role of the regional countries in promoting peace, stability and security in Afghanistan and the region.

On the occasion, Afghan Ambassador Janan Mosazai ensured that Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used against peace, security and stability of its neighbors.

Aiming to use the platform of the trilateral dialogue, Ambassador Mosazai wished to further deepen the relations with their "traditional friend" China that is also the largest investor in Afghanistan.