KABUL - The United States and Pakistan on Tuesday agreed that peace and stability in Afghanistan was a prerequisite for stability in the region.

Pakistan Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz and US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined Afghanistan’s stability at a joint press conference in Islamabad.

DawnNews quoted Kerry as hailing Pakistan’s resolute steps to counter the menace of terrorism through the National Action Plan and related measures.

The visiting secretary said the reality had never been clearer than on Dec 16. “The brutal murder of your children was felt by every parent and citizen in the United States.”

He welcomed the strong consensus forged by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other Pakistani leaders about the importance of combating all terrorists without any distinction.

Kerry praised the Pakistan Army operations in North Waziristan Agency, saying the results were significant. The offensive was launched in June to clear the area of militants.

Following his arrival in Islamabad on a two-day visit, Kerry met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The secretary will also meet Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.

Kerry is expected to stress the need for more action to fight groups that Pakistani officials and generals have viewed as strategic assets for gaining influence in Afghanistan.

One US official told foreign media professionals:“Part of the secretary’s core message will be to ensure that actions are met with a real and sustained effort to constrain the ability of the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-i-Taiba, the Afghan Taliban, and other militants who pose a threat to regional stability and to direct US interests.” (Pajhwok)