KABUL: Counterterrorism officials from the United States, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries have drawn a roadmap to jointly address threats and speed up intelligence sharing, the Afghan national security agency said on Thursday.
The officials met in Kabul earlier this week for the two-day "Regional Conference on Campaign Against Terrorism," which had representatives from the US, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and five Central Asian countries, and delegates from Azerbaijan, the Directorate of National Security (NDS) said in a statement.
No representatives from Afghanistan's major neighbors — India, Iran, China and Russia — were present during the meeting.
"A roadmap for preclusion of joint threats from terroristic activities was drawn ... and an agreement was reached on identifying joint security threats and taking measures against their annihilation, speeding up exchange of information among the services," the NDS said.
"Participants of this meeting focused on joint threats of terrorism on national, regional and international level."
The meeting comes as Taliban attacks are on the rise in the country and Kabul is putting pressure on the new US administration to renegotiate last year's Washington-Taliban deal to withdraw all NATO troops from Afghanistan by the end of April.
Under the accord signed in Doha, Qatar, in February, the Taliban pledged to cut ties with all militant groups, including Al-Qaeda. Authorities in Kabul, as well as NATO and US officials have in recent months repeatedly said that the group had not fulfilled the pledge.
"We wanted to show to our neighbors that Afghanistan is on the frontline of war on terrorism and that if you do not side with us in this campaign, you will also face similar threats like us," a security source told Arab News on condition of anonymity, as he is not authorized to speak to the media.
"They welcomed our views and such meetings will be held in future too," the source said.
Wahidullah Ghazikhail of the Afghan Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ACSSR) said the meeting of counterterrorism and intelligence officials in Kabul was a "good step and should have been made long time ago."
"Government officials say that 22 foreign groups from regional countries operate here so you need to involve and exchange information with those countries whose nationals fight here," he told Arab News.
"Afghanistan has been a victim of terrorism and these countries should know that if Afghanistan is secure, safe and stable, they will also benefit from it as our country serves as a bridge between South and Central Asia."
US, Pakistani, Afghan counterterrorism officials draw joint strategy on addressing threats
US, Pakistani, Afghan counterterrorism officials draw joint strategy on addressing threats
- Officials met in Kabul earlier this week for the two-day "Regional Conference on Campaign Against Terrorism"
- No representatives from Afghanistan's major neighbors — India, Iran, China and Russia — were present during the meeting
Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers
- Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
- Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.
“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.
“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.
Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.
China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.
