PESHAWAR, SEPT 23 (DNA) – Afghan Consul General in Peshawar Abdul Waheed Poyan has expressed optimism that the ongoing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan will be resolved, and called for joint efforts to cope with common challenges and to establish everlasting peace in the region.

“Afghanistan and Pakistan are facing common threats which should be tackled with joint efforts,” the diplomat stressed while talking to media after attending a seminar held in connection with Afghanistan International Culture Day at Peshawar Press Club. The event was organized by Regional Forum for Peace and Development on Saturday.

The envoy further said that his government gave much importance to boost relations with Pakistan as compared to other regional countries.

Notable speakers on the occasion included Rahmat Shah Siyal, Dr Abaseen Yousafzai, Abdul Majeed Chandio, Fatima Atif, and chairman of the forum Alamzeb Khan. Besides them, the gathering was also attended by poets, writers, member of civil society, lawyers, and people from different walks of life.

To a question about the alleged increasing Indian influence in Afghanistan, the diplomat said that “every country has its policy to strengthen relationships with neighboring countries and his country has the utmost desire to enhance mutual ties with all regional countries including Pakistan.” However, he stressed, it was necessary to sort out all outstanding issues by jointly addressing the common problems faced by both Afghanistan and Pakistan.