ISLAMABAD: National Security Adviser Lt Gen (r) Nasser Janjua Friday said that the recent peace offer by President Ashraf Ghani was an opportunity to end the perpetual conflict in Afghanistan and stressed that all the stakeholders should play their due role in seeking peace in the war-torn country.
“This again should not be put on Pakistan alone. Everyone and particularly regional countries must come forward to help seek peace in Afghanistan,” he told Marc Barety, French ambassador to Pakistan, at a meeting here.
Speaking on relations with India, the NSA reiterated that Pakistan was willing to have friendly ties with all the neighbouring countries. “India, by repeatedly refusing dialogue offers, has defeated the spirit of bilateralism. And this would not lead us anywhere,” he said. “Irrespective of the prevailing impasse, both the countries cannot escape dialogue and resolution of their disputes. All mature nations seek and resolve their issues by way of dialogue and that is what Pakistan would always insist upon while maintaining its national dignity and honour,” he added.
Discussing matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation, the NSA said that France was a great country with positive outlook and stressed the need to explore more areas for bilateral cooperation.
The French envoy applauded Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and acknowledged the countless sacrifices offered by the whole nation in this regard. Highlighting the importance of collective efforts against terrorism, he said that France was willing to strengthen defence and intelligence cooperation with Pakistan under a comprehensive framework.
He expressed his country’s desire to establish long-term cooperation with Pakistan in the war against terrorism.
Both sides also recognised that the threat of terrorism, particularly from Daesh, was not yet over and that concerted efforts were required to effectively curb the menace in the region.
Published in Daily Times, March 31st 2018.
