KABUL: (MEP) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrived Pakistan Monday on an official visit to promoting bilateral relations, discussing regional situation and peace process in Afghanistan and role of Pakistan. The Afghan president is accompanied by a high-level delegation including Cabinet ministers and senior officials. He was received at the Noor Khan Airbase by Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Afghan ambassador in Islamabad and other high officials. The Afghan President was presented 21 guns salute while two children attired in traditional dress presented him bouquet, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
This is the first highest-level exchange between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the democratic transition and swearing-in of the new government in Pakistan. After taking office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifhas spoken to President Hamid Karzai on three different occasions.
The Afghan President during his day-long visit will call on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari while the Prime Minister and Mr. Karzai will also address a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s House.
The Afghan President’s visit comes at a time when Afghanistan is undergoing important political and security transition as the draw-down of NATO/ISAF forces is due to be completed by December 2014.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has articulated a forward-looking vision of a peaceful and prosperous neighborhoods defined by close, cooperative relations with all neighbors.
His invitation to President Karzai and commitment to work closely with the Afghan leadership is part of that vision.
Earlier, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, had visited Kabul on July 21 this year.
The Adviser carried a message of goodwill and cordiality from the people of Pakistan and the desire of the new government to comprehensively upgrade the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship. Substantive talks were held on the Afghan peace process and bilateral relations.
President Karzai’s visit will carry forward this process of constructive engagement between the two countries. The two leaders will have in-depth consultations on all issues of common interest, including the evolving situation in the region as well as ways to deepen and broaden Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a fraternal relationship based on faith, kinship culture and history.
