Stating that Afghanistan was an important neighbour, Sharif said, “I have reassured President (Hamid) Karzai that we do not wish to interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs. A peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan is in Pakistan's vital interest”.
He said Pakistan would continue to facilitate efforts for an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.
“The international community should remain engaged in supporting Afghanistan's reconstruction and economic development. We believe that cooperative approaches at the regional level would foster mutual trust and confidence and reinforce efforts for peace and stability,” Sharif said.
“Together with the Afghan leadership, we have also embarked on efforts to further deepen and broaden our fraternal relationship. There is a positive momentum, which must be sustained and further strengthened,” he said.
Sharif vowed to strengthen Pakistan's identity as a modern and democratic state which is at peace with both itself and its neighbors.
He said an imperative of Pakistan's national security policy” that the country is recognized as a responsible sovereign all over the world.
If the constitutional order is not respected and the rule of law is not enforced, the state cannot survive, he said.
