UN envoy discusses Afghanistan security in Pakistan visit

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Jan Kubis Monday met with top Pakistani advisers in Islamabad and discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, officials said.

Pakistani leaders assured full "support for the United Nations in dealing with issues post-2014" as most of the foreign troops are on their exit from the war-torn country, Xinhua reported citing a foreign ministry statement.

Pakistan's role is being considered as a key to peace in Afghanistan as Kabul also believes the country can encourage the Taliban to join the reconciliation process.

Kubis's visit to Pakistan is the second in three months. He last visited Islamabad in late August.

"Jan Kubis was told that consistent with the prime minister's vision of a 'peaceful neighbourhood', Pakistan was engaging with Afghanistan across a broad range of issues, including peace and security, trade and economic ties, reconstruction and rehabilitation, and regional cooperation," the foreign ministry statement said.

The UN envoy met with Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz and other senior officials. The foreign ministry said, "Pakistan's support for a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan was reaffirmed."

"Jan Kubis acknowledged Pakistan's important contribution towards peace and stability and deeper engagement on issues of trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan," the statement said.

He affirmed the UN's commitment to continued engagement and consultation with Pakistan on all relevant issues, including economic development and refugee repatriation.

He also briefed the Pakistani leaders on the ongoing efforts of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in support of Afghanistan's peace and development, the statement said.