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Zardari, Karzai vow to fight terror jointly

DUBAI: The Presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan have pledged to work together to counter international terrorism amid efforts by Turkey to acquire greater influence in South Asia.

Marking a sea-change in its relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai said after Turkish mediated talks in Istanbul with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari that Kabul’s relations with Islamabad had improved substantially after Mr. Zardari assumed the presidency.

At a press conference held after the three-way talks, he pointed out that discussions had been held on the adoption of measures to counter terrorism.

“The Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan are now working together and developing joint strategy against the Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups,” said Mr. Karzai.

Turkey viewed the talks in a larger regional context. President Abdullah Gul said discussions were held on political, economic and security issues in view of their impact on the region.

A decision was taken to bring together the military and intelligence agencies of the three countries to counter terrorism. The three also decided to establish a joint mechanism to combat the smuggling of narcotics. Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of narcotics.

“Foreign affairs commissions of the Turkish, Afghan and Pakistani Parliaments will soon convene. Military cooperation will be further developed. We will cooperate in the fight against illegal drug trafficking,” said Mr. Gul.

The three countries condemned the Mumbai terror attacks. Mr. Zardari said Pakistan had been awaiting concrete proof from India to substantiate allegations that a Pakistan-based militant group was behind the strikes.

The trilateral summit was preceded by a meeting in October among Mr. Karzai, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. The chambers of commerce and industry of the three countries are working together to identify common projects under the framework of the “Istanbul Forum,” to impart greater economic dynamism to their relationship.

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