Karzai in Islamabad to meet Zardari, Gilani

ISLAMABAD/KABUL to the negotiating table, a private TV channel reported.

Karzai would meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, DawnNews said. A joint peace commission involving officials from both countries will also meet on the Afghan reconciliation initiative.

He was received by Minister of Sports Eng. Shaukat Ullah and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Chaklala airbase in Islamabad.

“Pakistanand Afghanistan enjoy close cordial relations.  Karzai’s visit will contribute to further enhancing this friendship and close cooperative ties between the two brotherly peoples and countries,” the foreign ministry in Islamabad said.

Accompanied by several members of his Cabinet, Karzai is on his first visit to the neighbouring country since the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden by US forces in the northwestern garrison town of Abbottabad on May 2.

Political negotiations with the Taliban and Pakistan‘s role in bringing stability to Afghanistan are expected to figure prominently at the two-day meetings.

Earlier in the day, the Presidential Palace in Kabul said Karzai would discuss with Pakistani leaders the need for enhanced cooperation in the war on terror. Political, trade and educational links will also come under discussion.

The presidential entourage includes Ministers of foreign, defence, trade and interior affairs, as well chiefs of the Afghan National Army chief and the National Directorate of Security.