ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi said on Tuesday that negotiated settlement is only the solution for of Afghan issues as the use of force had repeatedly failed for the last 15 years. “Use of forces will not be helpful in bringing about a lasting peace in the war ravaged country” he said in a meeting with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary and Australian Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Ric Wells in Islamabad. He expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia and said that trade and economic ties should be further strengthened between the two countries to their mutual benefit. He told the Australian Special Representative that Pakistan had made sincere efforts for reconciliation towards Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Ric also expressed Australia’s interest in enhancing relations with Pakistan in diverse fields. He said that both Pakistan and Australia would discuss ways and means to expand their bi-lateral economic relations in the sixth round of Joint Trade Committee meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday in Islamabad. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.