"We welcome and support Afghanistan's initiative in taking the lead in exploring a regional counter-terror strategy, in accordance with the established principles of the UN charter, which we agreed was necessary when we last met in Islamabad in December 2015," the declaration stated.
The countries are calling for expert discussions on the draft framework strategy to be held as soon as possible with a view to its final approval at a meeting of senior officials, to be held within three months.
The declaration emphasized that, extremism cannot be eliminated "without a concerted and coherent regional approach involving all HoA countries… political figures, religious leaders, educational institutions, opinion makers, youth, civil society, mass media and social networks."
Earlier in the day, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani suggested creating a fund to fight extremism in Afghanistan, which would incorporate money donated by neighboring Pakistan. He also called on the countries in the region to intensify cooperation in the field of counterterrorism and stressed the need for serious control over cross-border activities.
The Heart of Asia — Istanbul Process was established in 2011 and has been conducted annually. The conference gathers Afghanistan's neighbors and other regional powers and is aimed at stabilizing situation in Afghanistan through cooperation with the country. This year the conference is taking place in the Indian city of Amritsar.
