Key talks: Kabul, Islamabad eye tension-free relationship

Sartaj Aziz says there is a strong desire in Pakistan for good neighbourly relations with Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Afghanistan are confident of developing tension-free relations during the government of new Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as senior officials from the two countries are set to hold key talks in Kabul on Sunday.

Sartaj Aziz, the adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on national security and foreign affairs, said on Saturday that Islamabad wanted enhanced relations with Kabul in every field and the new Afghan government also desired improved ties.

“There is a strong desire in Pakistan for good neighbourly relations with Afghanistan. I strongly believe there will be progress on reducing tension and mistrust,” he told The Express Tribune.

Aziz is scheduled to travel to Kabul on Sunday “to convey prime minister’s formal invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan”. He will hold discussions with regard to the timing and preparations of the visit of the new Afghan leader.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2014.