Kabul (BNA) President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met with Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan who visited Afghanistan on Thursday, leading a high-ranking delegation, a statement from the presidential press office said yesterday.
President Ghani welcomed the Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the Presidential Palace, where they received guard of honor and national anthems of both countries were played, according to the statement.
President Ghani said that this visit is historic amidst the latest escalation of violence in Afghanistan and said his visit delivers a significant message to the entire Afghan nation, the statement added.
President Ghani, as quoted in the statement said: “Our common objective is to take a leap of faith to overcome the distrust that has haunted our relationship.”
“We have come to an understanding that a shared vision regarding cooperation is not only essential for relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but a harbinger of regional cooperation and connectivity,” added the President, the statement said.
President Ghani said: “Our common focus and what inspires us both is poverty eradication, empowerment of citizens of our countries within the frameworks of our Islamic constitutions; the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”
President Ghani while stressing that that respect for the Prophet is respect for the entire Muslim World said “The Prophet’s life and his tradition is Seerah that embodies the perfect Muslim’s behavior and as a guide to all of us.”
The President said Prime Minister Khan’s most important message is that violence is not an answer. He added, “A comprehensive political settlement for an enduring peace within the framework of our values, our constitution and the Islamic Republic is the way to the future.”
President Ghani reiterated that embracing a constructive politics, a politics of engagement and inclusive politics is the way to future. The President accepted to visit the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Khan within a short period of time.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed happiness over visiting the historic city of Kabul, terming the city a favorite place for Pakistanis.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan said the objective of his visit amidst escalation of violence in Afghanistan to assure that people and government of Pakistan want peace in Afghanistan.
“My idea of choosing this time to come was to assure you that Pakistan will do everything, whatever is possible to help to reduce this violence and move toward ceasefire,” added the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Khan underscored that Pakistan is the country after Afghanistan which is most interested in peace in Afghanistan and expressed hope that this trade and connectivity will increase between the two countries.
Imran Khan reiterated that the whole objective of this visit is to build trust, to communicate more and assured the President of Afghanistan of the Pakistan’s cooperation.
