Pak envoy discusses trade, connectivity with Afghan President

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Special Envoy today met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and discussed the importance of economic relations and regional connectivity between the two nations.
During his one-day visit to Kabul, Sartaj Aziz underscored Sharif's desire to build a "comprehensive and enduring" partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a statement issued here said.
The Special Envoy's trip was the first formal visit of a senior Pakistani official to Kabul since the formation of the government of national unity in Afghanistan. Aziz "conveyed felicitations" on the peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.
Ajiz, Sharif's Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, "emphasised the importance of enhanced trade and economic relations as well as regional connectivity for trade and energy" between the two nations.

He underlined the importance of bilateral mechanisms for interaction at different levels in the political, security and economic realms.
Aziz also delivered Sharif's formal invitation to the Afghan President to visit Pakistan. The President said he would visit Pakistan in the very near future, it said.

President Ashraf Ghani said "there was a historic opportunity to transform Pak-Afghan relations into a warm and mutually-beneficial partnership," the statement added.
Ghani said he would like to share with Sharif his vision of the bilateral relationship over a five-year perspective.
During his visit, Aziz also called on Afghanistan's newly elected Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and conveyed Sharif's greetings and his invitation to visit Pakistan.

The two leaders discussed matters relating to peace and security, trade and economic cooperation, and regional cooperation.
The Adviser also held separate meetings with Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani and National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar.