The United States has supported Pakistan's efforts towards border management with a view to enhancing security of the porous border with Afghanistan and check illegal cross-border movement. The US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson, who arrived on Friday, called on Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and discussed with him the security situation in the region and efforts towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.
"Ambassador Olson appreciated Pakistan's efforts for long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan. He stated that the US supported Pakistan's efforts on border management," according to Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria. According to the spokesperson, Ambassador Olson recognised Pakistan's role in hosting Afghan refugees for more than 35 years which should not be forgotten by the international community. In this regard, he underlined the need for creating pull factors for sustainable repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The US special representative also expressed appreciation for continued close co-operation between Pakistan and the United States on issues of mutual interest. He mentioned that Pakistan's successes in counter-terrorism operations and stabilisation of the economy were remarkable. He also congratulated Pakistan for significant reduction in the number of polio cases.
"Both sides agreed on continued constructive engagement between Pakistan and the United States in the areas of trade, investment, education, health and energy," Zakaria added. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, in his talk, underlined Pakistan's focus on effective border management on Afghanistan-Pakistan border with a view to enhancing security and counter-terrorism efforts.
In this regard, he apprised the US side about the creation of a high-level consultation mechanism between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address border management and related security issues. Emphasising the early repatriation of Afghan refugees, the Foreign Secretary said that Pakistan was of the view that the return of refugees should be characterised by dignity, honour and self-esteem. He said that Pakistan and Afghanistan should address this important matter through dialogue and consultations. The international community, including the US and UNHCR, should lend their support to these efforts, he added. On Afghan reconciliation, the Foreign Secretary reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the Quadrilateral Co-ordination Group (QCG) as an effective forum to facilitate an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process.