Context
Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan agreed to develop a joint framework for trilateral cooperation particularly in the areas of counter terrorism, antinarcotics and border management within six months. They further agreed to enhance cooperation for realizing the shared aspiration of their people for peace, security, stability, and economic prosperity and to ensure mutual respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity as per the clauses of UN Charter. Consensus was also reached on not allowing their respective territories to be used against each other.
The summit proposed enhancing three-way trade with preferential tariffs, free trade arrangements and barter trade and discussed ways for improving connectivity through cooperation in building transport and communication infrastructure.
The three countries assented to strengthen cooperation in tackling terrorism and taking measures to address its root causes. Moreover, to combat drug trafficking and transnational organized crimes.
They also agreed on the safe return of Afghan refugees. Pakistan and Iran reiterated support for the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.
The foreign ministers of the three countries will prepare a roadmap for the next Summit to be held by 2012. The Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran trilateral summit was first initiated in 2009 with the aim to boost economic cooperation among three countries. Issues of security and development in the region are also discussed in the meetings.
