ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have decided to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism to consult and coordinate on various important issues relating to security and civilian movement between the two countries.

The agreement emerged during a meeting held between Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Tashkent.

Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar was also present.

The Foreign Office issued joint communique saying the proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani with the participation of the National Security Advisers of the two countries.

The communique further added it will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries.

The main purpose of this mechanism is not limited to address and resolve the issues of concern to both sides through amicable means, but also to prevent the recurrence of violent incidents like the recent skirmishes at Torkham.

The two sides took this opportunity to review more aspects of bilateral relations.

The duo of Aziz and Rabbani reiterated the mutual desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism, and economic progress of both countries. It agreed to enhance mutual engagement in diverse areas to deepen cooperation.

The two sides stressed on their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards elimination of the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the both countries, and the region. In the regard, they emphasized the need for close cooperation and coordination between the two countries at all levels.

While discussing bilateral relations, the two sides also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process