Roundup: Afghan newspapers hail "Heart of Asia" Conference as platform that enhances regional cooperation

Afghan newspapers in their editorials on Monday described the two-day "Heart of Asia" Conference concluded in Amritsar city of India on Sunday, as a platform for countries in the region to boost cooperation in all fields including the war on terror.

In the conference attended by delegates from more than 30 countries including Afghanistan's neighbors and international agencies, the participants agreed upon the gravity of terrorist threats and called for immediate end of all forms of terrorism.

"With the deterioration of peace and tranquility in Afghanistan there are dangers that terrorism may continue and it will ultimately influence all regional countries," the English Daily Outlook writes in its editorial.

The editorial added, "The participant countries agreed upon the gravity of the security situation in Afghanistan in particular and in the region and the high level of violence caused by the Taliban, terrorist groups including Islamic State and its affiliates, the Haqqani network, al-Qaida, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Jundullah and other foreign terrorist fighters", writing that efforts should be made to stabilize the situation.

"There should be efforts both from the regional countries and international community as per their promises to change the circumstances in Afghanistan in a true sense," the paper asserted in its editorial.

Part of the statement released at the end of "Heart of Asia" conference, according to the paper, read out, "We strongly call for concerted regional and international cooperation to ensure elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, including dismantling of terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens in the Heart of Asia region, as well as disrupting all financial, tactical and logistical support for terrorism."

Another newspaper the Daily Afghanistan attached great importance to the sixth Heart of Asia conference concluded in India on Sunday, noting that Afghanistan needs regional cooperation to overcome the war on terror and to achieve viable stability.

"Reaching an agreement of countries in the region to form a platform of economic cooperation in the region paves the way for boosting trade and economic development which is vital for stabilizing security in the region," the Daily Afghanistan said in its editorial.

"Gathering South Asian nations and 13 more countries at 'Heart of Asia' conference has created the opportunity to reduce distrusts and overcome the security challenges to enhance cooperation in the region," another newspaper the Etilaat-e-Roze writes in its editorial on Monday. Enditem