Philip Barton attends inaugural session of the dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Beyond Boundaries brings together influential stakeholders from Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to reduce tension, build understanding and revive confidence between the two countries.
Philip Barton CMG OBE, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, attended the inaugural session of the Track 1.5 dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Islamabad yesterday. Titled Beyond Boundaries, the initiative has been launched by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) of Pakistan in partnership with Afghanistan’s DURAN Research and Analysis to help improve relations between the two countries.
Beyond Boundaries brings together influential stakeholders from Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to reduce tension, build understanding and revive confidence between the two countries. The initiative aims to promote peace, security and regional prosperity through better cooperation.
Joined by Afghan Ambassador, Janan Mosazai and Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan during the inaugural session, the British High Commissioner said:
I am very glad to support this initiative. We want to bring together influential figures from Pakistan and Afghanistan for a series of frank conversations. We hope these will build understanding and trust by challenging misconceptions and identifying opportunities to move the relationship forward.
Healthy relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are vital for stability, security and prosperity of the two countries, the region and the world. Peace processes are never easy, but in the end, dialogue is the only route to peace.
I hope that discussions between the participants in the Beyond Boundaries initiatives will go well and that the participants from both sides will act as ambassadors for an improved relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.