Talking points: Nawaz looks to shore up bilateral ties in day-long Afghanistan visit

PM seeks to strengthen bilateral ties with Afghanistan and revive the peace process.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Afghanistan on Saturday to meet with President Hamid Karzai.

This visit is coming at an important juncture as political and security transitions are underway in Afghanistan, marked by the upcoming elections and Nato troop withdrawal during 2014, stated the government in a press release on Friday.

The prime minister seeks to strengthen bilateral ties with Afghanistan and he believes that relations should be underpinned by a strong trade and economic partnership, says the release.

The government also emphasised how Pakistan has been extending assistance to Afghanistan in the form of infrastructure, health and education projects, in order to contribute to Afghanistan’s  socio-economic development.

The two countries are also involved in road, rail and connectivity projects and Pakistan has offered Afghanistan US $20 million for training of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

During his visit, Nawaz will also be meeting with Afghanistan's High Peace Council, led by Chairman Salahuddin Rabbani.

This upcoming visit will strengthen the positive momentum in bilateral relations and help intensify common endeavours in the pursuit of durable peace, stability and prosperity in the region, states the government in their release.