Zardari, Karzai highlight strong bilateral relation

Presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to evolve a mechanism for furthering bilateral ties, allaying misperceptions, curbing illegal movement in the border areas, extending the scope of transit trade to the Central Asian states and implementation of all the major projects. In a joint news conference, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his counterpart Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the strong ties between the two countries. The two leaders stressed their eagerness to fight militants together. "We cannot expect to have peace in the region if we don't have peace in Afghanistan," Zardari said. Karzai travelled to Pakistan at the personal invitation of Zardari. The joint press conference on Friday followed one-on-one and delegation level meetings. A wide spectrum of issues including Pak-Afghan ties, war against terrorism, security situation in the region, dialogue with Taliban for the sake of peace in Afghanistan, Pak-Afghan transit trade and prevention of illegal movement in border areas figured in the talks. Briefing the media about the talks with President Karzai, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would further improve its ties with Afghanistan. Both the countries have been enjoying good relations since long, he added. According to President Zardari, misperceptions are everywhere but Pak-Afghan relations have gained more strength during the incumbent government. We will have to bring more improvement in our trust, he stressed. He went on to say that Central Asian States would be made part of Pak-Afghan transit trade and every possible cooperation would be extended to Afghan government in this respect. He said that Afghanistan was not a poor country, only it needs a chance. We are convinced that after restoration of peace, Afghanistan would make progress and both the countries would cooperate in the areas of infrastructure development, energy and trade. Addressing the media, Hamid Karzai said that a large number of Afghan students were studying in Pakistani educational institutions that showed how close the two countries are. He thanked the Government of Pakistan for constructing the "best road" from Torkham to Jalalabad. "Afghanistan, like Pakistan, is taking part in the efforts to eradicate terrorism. We need to make joint efforts on this front which is in the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. Karzai said defending Afghan people and the borders was the sole responsibility of the government of Afghanistan and his government would improve its capacity to do that. Karzai is due to meet Afghan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani later today.