LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the international community to advance the common goal of a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan, says a report published on Radio Pakistan.
In his address at the London Conference on Afghanistan, the prime minister presented a nine-point plan for consideration by the international partners to achieve this objective.
The London Conference, co-hosted by the governments of the UK and Afghanistan, held to provide a platform for the Afghan government to set out its vision for reform and for the international community to demonstrate enduring solidarity and support for Afghanistan.
The prime minister said that the plan calls for sending a clear message of deeper engagement with Afghanistan, respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity and dignity of its people.
Sharif said that also urged the international community to support the new government’s desire for the return of five million Afghan refugees living abroad, by helping to create conducive conditions for their sustainable reintegration.
On its part, Pakistan fully supports the Afghan government’s forward-looking vision and reform programme, he said.
Nawaz Sharif welcomed the Afghan government’s call for dialogue and its determination to resolve differences through political means.
The Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in his address said that establishment of peace and strengthening of national unity are the top priorities of his government. He said that for the first time, the country has seen a peaceful transition of power.
Ghani said that his government is focusing on institutional building, constructive engagement with neighboring countries and to deliver as per the public aspirations.
In his remarks, the British Prime Minister David Cameron said that empowerment of women and special focus on country’s education sector were most essential for national development in Afghanistan.
Cameron said that Afghan youths are determined for national development and efforts are needed to strengthen the civil society in Afghanistan.
The US Secretary of State John Kerry renewed his country’s commitment to invest in Afghanistan and create a powerhouse region, after the conference in London.
John Kerry said that he had faith in President Ghani to create a strong and prosperous Afghanistan.
Kerry said that the Afghan president had already made ground in repairing relations with Pakistan and fighting money laundering and corruption which is a major sticking point between Afghanistan and its Western donors.
