The leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan have met in Istanbul for a new round of talks aimed at building trust between the two neighbors.
Turkey’s President Abdullah Gül says the fifth round of Turkish-sponsored talks aims to «enhance peace and development» between the two countries. He spoke Friday at the beginning of a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan’s Asif Ali Zerdari.
A Framework Agreement aiming to enhance the capacity of the three countries to cooperate, as well as agreements for establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Excellency Center, cooperation between the police departments of the three countries and cooperation in counter-narcotics will be signed during the meeting.
The meetings are designed to reduce tensions over militant attacks along the countries’ lawless border.
Gül says a railroad between Turkey and Pakistan should be extended to Afghanistan and flights between the three countries should be expanded for better cooperation.
The three leaders are reportedly expected to take decisions for setting up a direct video conference call system between the presidents of the three countries, launching a joint emergency exercise against natural disasters as well as establishment of a joint platform aiming to bring together scholars from Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Turkey has close ties to both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Haberturk.com