By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Afghanistan Thursday agreed on several measures to enhance bilateral cooperation, remove misunderstandings and reduce regional tension, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Thursday.
Talking to newsmen in Islamabad, the Foreign Minister said during his telephonic conversation with his Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar Spanta the two sides agreed to hold joint mini jirga or council of elders after Eidul Fitr in Islamabad.
“Exact dates for the jirga are being finalized which would go a long way in improving relations between the two countries” Qureshi said.
The Foreign Minister said Afghanistan has withdrawn its objection to holding of the proposed regional economic conference on Afghanistan in Pakistan and the moot would now be held in the third or fourth week of November this year.
The two foreign ministers also agreed for early convening of Joint Economic Commission.
“Afghan Finance Minister would invite his Pakistani counterpart for a visit to Kabul where the two sides would exchange views on ways and means to boost trade and forge cooperation in different fields”.
“During telephonic conversation it was also agreed that the frequency of political engagements would be increased to minimize chances of misunderstanding between the two countries”.
“National Security Advisors of Pakistan and Afghanistan would visit each other’s country to have in-depth consultations on security issues and how to achieve the objective of a stable and peaceful region,” Qureshi said.
The Foreign Minister said during his forthcoming visit to New York he will have a detailed meeting with the Afghan Foreign Minister as a follow up of talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and President Hamid Karzai. “We would also work out modalities for re-engagement”.
The Foreign Minister said the statement of the Chief of the Army Staff on the issue of operations inside Pakistan is reiteration of the country’s policy.
“The army chief has reiterated our stated position,” Qureshi said.
He said President Asif Ali Zardari and leadership of the PPP have persuaded leaders of different political parties about the need to have a parliamentary caucus on Kashmir with representation from all parliamentary parties.
“It will help develop national consensus on Kashmir issue and dialogue with India”.