The peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, the dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan and between Afghanistan and the US, bilateral relations between Italy and Pakistan. These were the focus for the discussion between the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, and Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi’s Envoy to the region, Francesco Talò.
At the close of the meeting the Envoy underscored that Pakistan is operating in the region “not as a counterparty but as a partner” of the western world. Its role must therefore be followed with attention and properly valued and acted upon by the international community.
As for the outlook for the Afghan crisis, Minister Rabbani Khar told Talò of her government’s satisfaction over the recent exchange of messages between President Hamid Karzai and the Pakistani Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on the regional process now under way. Pakistan also welcomes the involvement of the opposition in the peace dialogue. “It is clear”, added Rabbani Khar, “that the peace process must be conceived and led by the Afghans”.
