Presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran Urge for Expanded Political, Economic, Cultural and Social Cooperation

Publish Date: Feb 17, 2012

February 17, 2012 - The leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan committed to enhance mutual cooperation for the sake of peace, security, stability and economic prosperity in their region.

The agreement came at the end of the third trilateral summit between the three countries that was held in Islamabad on Friday.

A joint statement was issued at the end of the trilateral summit that said the three Presidents decided to broaden cooperation in the political, security, economic, cultural, social and educational fields and enhance people-to-people contacts, including exchange visits of parliamentarians, academics and journalists. 

They would strengthen cooperation for eradicating extremism‚ terrorism and militancy and to address the root causes of these menaces‚ condemning the killings of civilians as well as any kind of assassinations.

Pakistan President, who hosted the trilateral meeting, said the situation in the region was not satisfactory, but the trilateral summit since its establishment in 2009 served as a foundation for broader cooperation between the three countries in the areas of security, economy and trade. It was necessary to move forward in realizing the agreements made for peace, security and prosperity for the region.

President Karzai also delivered an opening statement in the summit and said there was more hope for a better future after bilateral talks with Pakistan and Iran and stressed that it was the time to give a practical mechanism to the talks on cooperation agreed among the three countries.

Iranian President too spoke and said the problems were not rooted in the region, but trans-regional, it thus required us to stand by each other and resolve them in unity and understanding.

He furthered called for practical steps to be taken in materializing the decisions taken in the previous summit and prudent measures in avoiding interferences.

The joint declaration adds that Presidents of Iran and Pakistan reiterated their full support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive process of peace and reconciliation. They assured the President of Afghanistan that they would extend full cooperation and stressed that any initiative in this regard must have authentic Afghan ownership.

The statement also includes that the three countries enhance connectivity by promoting project cooperation in infrastructure, road and rail links, transport and communications.

It was also decided that the Fourth Trilateral Summit be held in Kabul by the end of 2012. The exact dates will be communicated through diplomatic