Spanta discusses terrorism, trade with Musharraf

Islamabad June 23, 2006 (Pajhwok Afghan News) - Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Friday said both Pakistan and Afghanistan should boost cooperation in the war against terror.

The Pakistani president said this during a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta, who is paying his maiden visit to the neighbouring country on a special invitation from his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri.

During the 30-minute meeting, the minister discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international political situation with the president.

According to Pajhwok's Islamabad correspondent, a press statement was released by the president's office in the afternoon. The statement says President Musharraf informed the Afghan minister about his country's efforts to counter-terrorists.

President Musharraf said about 80,000 military personnel had been deployed on the joint border with Afghanistan to curb movement of terrorists and ensure peace and security in Afghanistan .

He asked the Afghan minister that Afghanistan, too, should adopt similar steps to block terrorists from crossing the border. The statement said the two sides urged the need for further boost in bilateral trade.

Dr Spanta thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the support and hospitality they had extended to Afghans during jihad. The minister is scheduled to meet other senior Pakistani officials today (Friday).