ISLAMABAD (NNI): Pakistan and Italy on Tuesday decided to work together to bring about a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, keeping in view the aspirations of the Afghan people.

This was decided at a meeting between Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Umberto Vattani.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Italy and stressed the need to augment the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Vattani stated that he was visiting Pakistan to discuss ways and means to further strengthen the existing close and cordial relationship as well as to promote greater identity of views between the two countries on major global and regional issues.

Earlier, the second round of annual bilateral consultations between Pakistan and Italy was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Secretary Inamul Haque led the Pakistan delegation.

The Italian delegation at the consultations was led by Vattani. The two sides had an extensive exchange of views on bilateral relations and major global and regional issues. It was decided to augment the existing bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field, to the mutual advantage of the two countries in the years ahead.

Pakistans Foreign Secretary also provided an in depth briefing to the visiting dignitary on the critical issues of peace and security in South Asia. Pakistans relations with India, including the Kashmir dispute and the peace process in Afghanistan.

Vattani assured the Foreign Secretary of enhanced EU engagement with South Asia, particularly with India, with a view to facilitating resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India for a durable peace, including resolution of the Kashmir dispute.