Pakistan determined to eliminate terrorism, says Sartaj Aziz

Islamabad, Aug 31: Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz on Monday urged the international community to join hands to develop a strategy to counter terrorism.

The scourge of terrorism was continuing and Pakistan was paying a heavy price in the fight against terrorism, Aziz said while addressing a joint news conference here along with visiting German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, Radio Pakistan reported.

Aziz said the military's Zarb-e-Azb operation had broken the backbone of terrorists. Pakistan was determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism, he added.

The advisor said he had a productive meeting with Steinmeier and they exchanged views on bilateral relations, and regional and global issues specially the situation in Afghanistan and the stalemate in the India-Pakistan dialogue.

Aziz said Pakistan welcomed German investment in various sectors of the economy including engineering and renewable energy. He said they discussed cooperation in the fields of parliamentary exchanges, capacity building and education.

The German foreign minister appreciated Pakistan's achievements in its fight against terrorism. He said the world recognised the sacrifices made by Pakistan in this fight.

IANS