Distributes gifts among Afghan DPs: Qureshi calls for enhanced trilateral cooperation for region's peace

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wednesday called for enhanced trilateral cooperation among Pakistan, China and Afghanistan for peace and economic prosperity of Afghanistan and the region. Addressing gifts distribution ceremony among Afghan refugees here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qureshi underscored the importance of trilateral cooperation among the three countries for peace in Afghanistan and the region, deepening connectivity, mutual development and economic prosperity.
The statement comes ahead of a trilateral foreign ministers level meeting of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan to be held in Kabul likely on December 15 to discuss the Afghan peace process with the Taliban as well as ways to bring peace and stability in the war-torn country.
Qureshi told the audience that his first visit to Kabul after becoming the foreign minister was also aimed at promoting friendly ties and bilateral trade with Afghanistan. "Pakistan being the worst victim of terrorism understands the pains of our Afghan brethrens," he said, adding that the government of Pakistan has always supported the Afghan reconciliation process and will continue to extend its facilitation for peace and stability in the war-torn country.
He also pointed out that Pakistan has devised a comprehensive strategy against the menace of terrorism and it is also focusing on the effective management of Pakistan- Afghanistan border.
The foreign minister further emphasised that people-to-people contacts with Afghanistan are the founding pillar of the bilateral relations between the two countries, adding that the current government gives great importance to the country's relations with Afghanistan.
"It is important for both of us [Pakistan and Afghanistan] to work together for regional peace and stability as well as economic stability, prosperous and peaceful future for the people of our two countries," he further emphasised.
Qureshi also highlighted the generous hospitality extended by the people of Pakistan to their Afghan brothers and sisters during the last four decades. At any given point during these years, on average over three million Afghans have been living in Pakistan, he said.
He stated that Pakistan had ensured education facilities to the Afghan refugees at par with its own citizens and will continue to invest in the education of the refugee children as it is the real investment for a prosperous future of Afghanistan.
He further said that Pakistan is proud of 50,000 Afghan citizens who got education in Pakistan and are now serving their country. He said that Pakistan awarded scholarships to 6,000 Afghan students to study in Pakistan's major universities.
On this occasion, Ambassador of China Yao Jing appreciated Pakistan's continued hospitality to millions of Afghan refugees and expressed his country's desire to work for expanding trilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interests.
The Afghan Chargé d'Affaires thanked Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees for almost four decades and stated that the trilateral cooperation will contribute towards peace and stability in Afghanistan. The foreign minister distributed books, schoolbags, stationary and items of winter clothing among 200 Afghan refugee children.