By IRNA,
Islamabad : Senior officials of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan on Friday underscored their strong resolve to fight terrorism and extremism, combat narcotics and organized crime and promote trans-regional development cooperation.
They met in Islamabad in pursuance of the decision taken by the leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran at their trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ECO Summit in Tehran in March 2009.
In a joint statement after the trilateral consultations, they further underlined the importance of people-centric regional approach, based on the region’s rich history, culture, heritage and traditions.
During the meeting, it was agreed to impart a strong impetus to trilateral cooperation in the political, economic, development, reconstruction and social fields. It was also agreed to prepare a framework of trilateral cooperation and pragmatic plan of action in this regard.
They agreed to hold the trilateral Ministerial meeting in Kabul. The dates will be set shortly. The Ministerial meeting would set the date for the next trilateral Summit to be held in Tehran.
Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Kabir Farahi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Mehdi Akhundzadeh, and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir led their respective sides during the trilateral meeting.
The Heads of the Afghan and Iran delegations expressed gratitude to the Pakistan side for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for the meeting.
During the meeting, the central focus was on pursuing a common vision for peace, security, stability and prosperity of the region by enhancing partnership on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect and in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.