KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were facing a common enemy in the form of terrorism that could be eliminated through a joint strategy.

During a meeting with Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Ghani said the two countries could fight the scourge more effectively through combined efforts.

“We don’t need a timeframe or a conditional relationship with Pakistan -- the only demand of Afghanistan is Pakistan’s sincerity and consistent policy in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” the president explained.

According to a statement from the Palace, Gen. Raheel Sharif expressed Pakistan’s desire to open a new chapter in its relationship with Afghanistan. Both countries needed to work together for economic development and peace, he said.

Ghani agreed to visit Pakistan late in November in response to an invitation from Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whose national security and foreign affairs advisor visited Kabul last month. Delegations from both counties were assigned to explore new ways of security and economic development between the two countries.

National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi, Interior Minister Mohammad Umar Daudzai and other high-ranking  official were also present at the meeting. (Pajhwok)