NATO looks forward to deepening cooperation with Pakistan

  • 17 Feb. 2010 -
  • |
  • Last updated: 17 Feb. 2010 17:32

The Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, visited NATO and met with Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Minister Qureshi also addressed the North Atlantic Council.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi on their way to the North Atlantic Council.

During the meeting, NATO Allies said that they look forward to deepening cooperation with the democratically elected Government in Pakistan and developing the political dialogue that they have started. Minister Qureshi and Allies agreed that our relationship goes beyond the operational agenda and that  Pakistan and NATO share the common strategic goal of a peaceful, stable and democratic Afghanistan. 

NATO Allies welcomed the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to address the problem of militancy. Allies reiterated that they recognise the heavy price paid by the Pakistani army in fighting the insurgency in the border area and thanked Pakistan for its efforts in combating cross-border activities.

Minister Qureshi and Allies noted that peace in Afghanistan is linked to peace in Pakistan and that they need to continue coordinating their efforts to improve efficiency on both sides of the border.

Finally, they also agreed that military cooperation between Afghanistan, Pakistan and NATO has progressed through the Tripartite Commission and through the Border Coordination Centres.