ISLAMABAD – Speakers at a webinar on Thursday said that the world needs to take practical steps and launch economic linkages and development initiatives to realise the dream of development, prosperity and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
Addressing a webinar on Afghanistan titled ‘Kandahar Dialogue’, Chairman Asian Institute of Eco-civilisation Zahid Latif Khan stressed that China and Pakistan should extend CPEC to Afghanistan. Besides, China should also launch the seventh corridor of BRI with the name of Corridor of Peace and Prosperity.
He urged the global community to work together and establish a global fund called ‘Afghanistan Regional Economic Integration Fund’ to assist the people of Afghanistan.
Senior Journalist Saleem Safi emphasised on the need to understand Afghanistan through the lens of Afghanistan. He suggested that there is a need to work more closely with all segments of the society and the world needs to come out of its mentality of favouritism.
He said the regional countries should join hand and help Afghan people. They should avoid proxy game. Development is the key to stabilise Afghanistan and for that purpose it is necessary to understand the needs of Afghanistan. He suggested that there should be more deliberations on it and there should be international consultations to devise instruments of assistance.
Prof Frank Zheng, Senior Fellow CITIC Foundation Reform & Development, China, said that China always looks for opportunities to assist other countries according to their needs, norms, values and system of governance. China always respects other countries’ system and never interferes in their internal matters.
“China will do same with the Afghanistan. We want to partner in development and prosperity of Afghanistan and Afghan people.” He especially emphasised on the building of the mechanisms for the cooperation in agriculture sector.
“There is a need of geo-economic initiatives not geo-strategic,” said Ms Helga Zepp-LaRouche, Schiller Institute of USA. She emphasised to look for opportunities of economic integration and creating linkages with BRI. She also suggested to immediately start working on the health, as health sector is facing crisis in Afghanistan.
Dr Andrey Kortunov, Director of Russian International Affairs Council, suggested that Taliban should work for inclusive government, as ethnic identities in Afghanistan are very strong.
He urged that the international community should not punish Taliban and Afghan people by sanctioning Afghanistan. He concluded with the remarks that Pakistan is a key player and has most important role to play. Thus, he asked regional countries to work with Pakistan to lay down sound foundation for cooperation.