Extremism in Afghanistan, Pakistan is Major Threat to Region.

tolonews.com

Growing extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan is endangering the region, Afghan President Hamid Karzai told students at the National Defence University of Pakistan on Friday night, his office said in a statement.

In his address, Mr Karzai stressed that the two countries should co-operate to fight terrorism together to bring stability to the region.

"Extremism is growing in Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly [along] the two sides of the border," Mr Karzai told the assembled students. "It endangers the region and the two countries."

He said that a well-educated youth was vital in tackling extremism.

Mr Karzai added that despite some achievements, there are still obstacles and problems ahead that the two countries must address. He said it was necessary for the two countries to put their misunderstandings behind them and move forward.

"It's the two countries' duty to get rid of misunderstandings. Afghanistan should not be afraid of Pakistan, and Pakistan should not be afraid of Afghanistan," President Karzai said.

The president said business and trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan have vastly improved. He also said that the leaders' visits to each other's country had increased in frequency, another sign of improved relations.

Expanding trade and transportation links are vital to strengthening relations between the two countries, he added.

For a stable Pakistan, an educated Afghanistan with a strong economy and army is important, the president added.

President Karzai was in Pakistan for a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Iran. He also held discussions with senior Pakistani civilian and military leaders. He also met the leader of Pakistan's Muslim League Party, Nawaz Sharif.