ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that Pakistan was committed to support the Afghan- led and Afghan-owned peace process in Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan wanted to see brotherly and neighbourly Afghanistan as an independent, peaceful and prosperous country, as it was also in the best interest of Pakistan.
The prime minister was talking to German Defence Minister Dr Thomas de Maiziere, who called on him here at the PM House and exchanged views on defence cooperation and military collaboration, war on terror and regional and international issues.
The prime minister said that Pakistan had suffered heavy losses both in terms of lives and the economy as a result of the war on terror.
He said the country also suffered more causalities than all the coalition partners put together and added that about 35000 people, including 5000 brave soldiers of Pakistan, embraced martyrdom.
He said that the Afghan President Hamid Karzai during his recent visit appealed to him to ask all the factions of Taliban to cooperate in the reconciliation and peace process. Pakistan obliged by issuing the statement, he added.
He further said that political solution was the only durable solution because it carries the sanction and support of the people and their ownership, which offers the best guarantee for the longevity of peace.
The premier said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with the United States and the new rules of engagement with the approval of Parliament would be formulated soon which would be based on clear understanding.
He said that Pakistan was firmly committed to fight and eradicate terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
The German defence minister expressed his satisfaction over the democratic process in the country, adding that the leadership of PM Gilani played a key role in strengthening the institutions.
He appreciated Pakistan's efforts in improving the relations with its neighbouring countries.
The defence minister reiterated that Germany would play a role in Afghanistan beyond 2014.
Pakistan's role in the post-withdrawal of Isaf/Nato and US forces after 2014 is very important for the security and stability of Afghanistan and indeed of the region, he maintained.
Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and senior officials of the relevant ministries were also present on the occasion.
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