China-Afghanistan-Pakistan discuss roadmap for regional stability

ISLAMABAD: China, Afghanistan and Pakistan today held trilateral dialogue here and discussed a range of strategic issues including drawing a roadmap for regional cooperation on war-torn Afghanistan and strengthening ties among them for peace and stability in the region.

The two-day track 1.5 dialogue among officials and experts of the three countries was organised by Pakistan-China Institute ( PCI) and German agency Konrad Adeneaur Stiftung.

The three countries discussed different strategic issues to draw a roadmap for the future and to seek regional cooperation on Afghanistan.

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said the conference provides a vital platform to strengthen communication and cooperation among the three nations.

Sun said the international cooperation should help the war-torn Afghanistan to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity after the first peaceful democratic transition.

He said that Pakistan and China have close cooperation in countering terrorism which is a threat to both countries.

"China supports Pakistan's efforts to promote dialogue and improve relations with Afghanistan," he said.

Afghan Ambassador Janan Mosazai said Afghanistan would never allow its soil to be used against peace and security of its neighbours.

He said that Afghanistan was eager to deepen relations with their all neighbours including China and Pakistan.

PCI chief Mushahid Hussain said that 21st century is the 'Asian Century' and Asian countries must decide their own destiny.

He said the institute was working to bring the three countries close to each other.

"Cooperation between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan would form the crux of the tripartite initiative which was the core objective of the dialogue," a statement from the PCI said.

The two-day conference will discuss presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, cross-border terrorist movement, capacity of the Afghan national security forces, protection of foreign investments in Afghanistan.

The first such conference was held in Beijing in August last year.