ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday agreed to closely coordinate with each other in developing their disaster preparedness plans. Visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai while addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz after holding talks with him said the two countries “need to enhance cooperation” after the recent devastating earthquake.
“Both of us need reconstruction and it should be done in the best possible way,” he added.
He said there “is a need for Pakistan and Afghanistan to work in synergy” in many areas. He said the two countries could share scientific information and technical knowledge.
He said Afghanistan was ready to help Pakistan in best possible manner in the aftermath of the earthquake. “You can count on us. We will do whatever we can”, he added.
Officials in Kabul said Mr Karzai had brought five tons of medicine and a 30-strong medical team to Islamabad, according to an AFP dispatch.
Mr Karzai said over 100 Afghan refugees were among the victims of the recent calamity. The Afghan government “is ready to take the injured Afghans for treatment to the country, if they so desire”. He, however, said the government of Pakistan is providing the best possible medical facilities to them.
Answering a question, he said Afghanistan will actively participate in the Conference on Reconstruction to be held in Pakistan in November. He said he will also be paying an official visit to Pakistan after Eid.
Answering a question, he said Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) “have done a good job in Afghanistan” and hoped that they will do the same in Pakistan as well. He, however, observed that there should be governmental accountability of NGOs.
He also praised Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees for years.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said a strong and stable Afghanistan was in the interest of the world, the region and Pakistan.
He thanked Mr Karzai for visiting Pakistan in the aftermath of the massive earthquake. He said the quake had created many challenges for the country and its people.
He lauded Afghanistan for quickly responding to the disaster and contributing to the relief and rescue efforts. He pointed out that Afghanistan pledged half a million dollars in aid and provided four helicopters for relief and rescue operations.
Afghanistan also sent 20 tons of dry fruit and as a unique expression of sympathy with Pakistan over the loss of thousands of precious lives, the national flag of Afghanistan flew at half-mast for three days.
He said 35 medical and rescue teams were serving the cause of humanity in different quake-hit areas of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoyed close relations in various areas. Pakistan was committed to supporting Afghanistan in every possible manner. He pointed out that the volume of trade between the two countries was 1.2 billion US dollars now and will further rise in the days ahead.
He said the two countries “have common views” on major diplomatic issues. The two countries “are committed to ensuring security and fighting the menace of terrorism”.
He said the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) will be meeting in January.
Earlier, the Afghan president had a one-to-one meeting with Prime Minister Aziz. The two leaders were later joined by their aides. The Afghan delegation included Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Defence Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak, Minister for Public Health Dr Sayed Amin Fatemi, Minister for Energy and Water Muhammad Ismael, National Security Adviser Dr Zalmay Rasool, and Secretary General of Afghan Red Crescent Society Mrs Fatima Gilani.
Earlier, Mr Karzai also called on President General Pervez Musharraf and expressed deep sense of shock and grief over the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands of precious lives.
ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday agreed to closely coordinate with each other in developing their disaster preparedness plans. Visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai while addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz after holding talks with him said the two countries “need to enhance cooperation” after the recent devastating earthquake.
