Pakistani FM attends Istanbul Conference

Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar led Pakistan's delegation at Istanbul conference on Afghanistan Wednesday, Foreign Ministry has said.The Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tehmina Janjua says that Pakistan believes the Istanbul Conference should manifest intangible terms its support for Afghanistan on the basis of established principles of inter-state conduct enshrined in the UN Charter and the International Law as well as material, financial and technical support for socio economic development. She said that regional support for this undertaking is of particular significance, adding concept of developing a harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership between Afghanistan and the region is important. The spokesperson said that the Conference is a platform to express region’s solidarity and support for Afghanistan in its endeavours to establish peace and stability; an inclusive process of national reconciliation. She said the conference will consolidate its sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve socio-economic prosperity by undertaking mutually beneficial economic cooperation with neighbouring states, the region and the world. “In dealing with the existing challenges, the Conference should also affirm support for eliminating all forms and manifestation of terrorism as well as production and trafficking of drugs in psychotropic substances”. Janjua said it is important that unity of purpose and the region’s support for Afghanistan must be ensured through “consensus decision making”. She said the existing regional organizations and arrangements may also be urged to prioritize support in the irrespective domains for achieving the afore-stated objectives of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan in a stable, peaceful and prosperous region. The Foreign Office spokesperson said that meetings were held in Kabul on 22 October and at Oslo earlier for preparation of declaration to be adopted in the Istanbul conference. “Before the meeting in Istanbul, we will obviously have the opportunity to see what the draft looks like,” she said. She added that it is not the final document and it is a work-in-progress.