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ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Friday pointedly told the visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr Richard Boucher, that security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was a joint responsibility and all sides ought to enhance coordination to promote security and stability.
The president conveyed this to Assistant Secretary Boucher when he called on him at the Aiwan-i-Sadr. During their discussions that covered bilateral as well as regional matters Afghanistan was on top of the agenda.
“The president stressed that Pakistan would continue to work with its international partners to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office said. In this context he also outlined the steps the government was taking to help the stabilization and reconstruction processes.
Mr Boucher commended the contribution of Pakistan towards promoting peace and stabilization in Afghanistan. He also reiterated appreciation for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and the coordination between the two countries in this regard.
The president reaffirmed unwavering commitment to fight extremism and terrorism, as part of Pakistan’s vision of a moderate, progressive and forward-looking country.
On the bilateral front, Mr Boucher highlighted the importance the US attached to its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Progress was also reviewed on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs), efforts to mobilize resources for Fata Sustainable Development Plan, and forging deeper trade and economic ties.
The president emphasized the strategic and multifaceted nature of the Pakistan-US relationship, and underscored the importance of steady development of cooperation in diverse fields. He further highlighted the importance of strong Pakistan-US defence ties.
MEETING WITH PM: Mr Boucher also called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and discussed the regional situation and bilateral relations.
The prime minister told the visiting dignitary that the option of mining and fencing Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan was still open.
"We are weighing various options including the fencing and mining of our side of the border with Afghanistan to prevent illegal movement on borders from both sides," Mr Aziz told Mr Boucher.
He said Pakistan was fighting terrorism out of conviction as it was in its own interest and in the interest of international peace.
The prime minister expressed his concern over the growing drug production in Afghanistan and the nexus between drug money and terrorism. He said the international community ought to take notice of this menace and take necessary measures to deal with it. Mr Aziz said Pakistan believed that a strong and stable Afghanistan was in the best interest of its people, Pakistan and the region.
The prime minister said it was very useful and productive as it provided an opportunity for exchanging views with the Afghan leadership.
