Afghanistan and Pakistan on Thursday decided to strategically align themselves and evolve a coordinated approach for the upcoming trilateral dialogue with the U.S. as efforts are under way to reconcile with the Taliban. The two countries have decided to set up a joint commission with representation from the political leadership, military and intelligence.
In a bid to rework their decades-old strained relationship and open a new chapter in bilateral relations, the Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement flagging the salient features of this evolving engagement. The two-day visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul to Pakistan – beginning Thursday — was one in a series of meetings at various levels over the past couple of months.
At a joint press conference, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the speed at which the joint statement was worked out was testimony to the sea change in relations. Mr. Rassoul said his visit was part of the new relationship.
Saying the harmony was becoming more obvious and conspicuous, Mr. Qureshi described the visit as a preparatory exercise for the trilateral dialogue in Washington. “We are of the view that we understand the culture and territory of the region more than them; so if we collectively suggest solutions, we feel that we can move closer to our objectives faster.''
The joint commission, Mr. Qureshi explained, was aimed at facilitating the reconciliation process.
“Now that the U. S. has agreed to a political process and recognised the significance of reconciliation, we feel the need for such a mechanism.'' While a mechanism with representation from the military and intelligence is already in place, the new structure brings in a political dimension.
About the reconciliation process, Mr. Rassoul said Afghanistan was presently engaged in the first part of the exercise — reintegration wherein foot soldiers who are not ideologically committed are being weaned away from the Taliban. “It is a difficult process but it has started.'' Refusing to disclose if communication channels had been opened with the Taliban, he maintained that there can be no peace without establishing contact.
As for a role for countries in the region like China and India in the Afghan reconstruction process, Mr. Qureshi said: “We feel there should be more involvement of Muslim countries in the process to bring peace and stability. As part of this, there will be a meeting of the contact group of the Organisation of Islamic Countries in Jeddah in March.
“It is getting clearer that we need each other more than we need others,'' he added.
According to the joint statement, “both sides agreed that it was of utmost importance that the international community as a whole and in particular immediate neighbours and regional states, respect the principles of sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and the principle of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan''.
