Pakistani, Indonesian presidents agree to work for Afghan peace

The visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain have agreed to work together for peace in the war-shattered Afghanistan.

Joko Widodo, who arrived in Pakistan on two-day state visit on Friday, held talks with Hussain and proposed a joint role of religious scholars of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia for peace in Afghanistan, the president office said.

"Pakistan has always played an important role for peace in the neighboring country. Pakistan and Indonesia can jointly promote moderation in the world," he said.

Hussain said Pakistan will welcome Indonesia's peace role in Afghanistan, the president office said.

Widodo's comments came amid reports that Indonesia wants to play a role in Afghan peace.

In fact in November last year Chief of Afghanistan High Peace Council Karim Khalili visited Indonesia where he held discussions with high-ranking Indonesian officials including Joko Widodo on the peace process in Afghanistan.

Afghan ambassador in Qatar, Faizullah Kakar, had stated in October 2017 that Indonesia wants to help in peace.

Earlier addressing the joint session of the parliament in Islamabad, the Indonesian president said economic activities will never take place if there is conflict or war.

"Conflicts and wars benefit no one and people mainly women and children become most impacted in such situations," he said.