Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has spoken with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a rare phone call, in which the former addressed the conflict settlement in Afghanistan as well as regional connectivity, the Afghan Presidential Palace said
KABUL (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 06th May, 2019) Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has spoken with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a rare phone call, in which the former addressed the conflict settlement in Afghanistan as well as regional connectivity, the Afghan Presidential Palace said.
"Afghan President Ghani, in a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister, discussed the Afghan peace process and regional connectivity," Kabul said in a statement.
During the phone call, which took place on Sunday, Khan and Ghani invited one another to visit their respective countries. The presidential palace added that Ghani would visit Pakistan but did not specify the exact date.
"Both leaders agreed to make efforts for availing the geographic locations of Afghanistan and Pakistan to enhance regional connectivity and realize the true economic potential of the two countries for assured socio-economic development, alleviation of poverty, and welfare of the two peoples," Khan's office said in a statement published on its official website.
US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad praised the phone talks, saying they would propel regional development.
"Both leaders say they prize the economic dividend peace can bring, especially the potential gains from regional connectivity and integration. That's a common vision that can truly propel the region forward," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.
In his Ramadan video message, Ghani once again has called on the Taliban to respond to Kabul's call for peace.
The armed confrontation between Kabul and the Taliban has been dragging on for years, with the insurgents carrying out regular attacks across the country, and the government conducting anti-terrorist raids with support from the United States.
The sixth round of peace talks between the United States and the Taliban began last week in the Qatari capital of Doha. The two sides are trying to reach a peace deal and discuss the intra-Afghan dialogue, withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, a permanent ceasefire and assurances that the country will not be used as a safe haven for terrorists who threaten the United States and its allies.
