Gilani-led Pakistani delegation in Kabul for talks
April 16th, 2011 - 3:20 pm ICT by IANS
Kabul, April 16 (IANS) Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived here on a day-long visit Saturday to hold talks with the Afghan leadership.
Gilani was received at the Kabul International Airport by Afghan Minister for Education Farooq Wardak, Pakistan’s Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq and senior officials, The Dawn quoted an APP report as saying.
The Pakistan prime minister is schedueld to meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai at his presidential palace, where Gilani will discuss a range of issues, including bilateral relations and regional situation with specific reference to the situation after the withdrawal of foreign troops.
According to official sources, the US troops’ pullout plan, war against terrorism, border crossing, Afghan Taliban reconciliation, repatriation of Afghan refugees and Pakistan- Afghanistan transit trade agreement are expected to be discussed during the meeting.
“The purpose of the visit is to ensure that both the neighbouring countries are on the same page in tackling the bilateral challenges,” The Nation quoted a senior government official as saying.
The crucial visit is in response to the invitation of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Gilani.
Others accompanying Gilani include army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, ISI chief Ahmed Shuja Pasha, ministers of defence, interior, finance, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
The two leaders are expected to make a joint address after their exclusive and delegation-level talks.
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