Pakistan, Afghanistan to establish working group on security

Islamabad, June 26 (IANS) Pakistan and Afghanistan, during high level talks here Thursday, agreed to establish a joint working group on security, officials said.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of a day-long visit to Islamabad by National Security Adviser of Afghanistan Rangin Dadfar Spanta said the main focus during the talks was on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, Xinhua reported.

Thousands of people have fled the war zone and the UN refugee agency said that over 6,000 people have also crossed into the Afghan side of the border.

There are concerns in Pakistan that militants could enter Afghanistan with the uprooted people.

"Both sides agreed on the need to take action against all terrorists without making any distinction among them and their hideouts on their respective sides," the statement said.

The joint working group will comprise representatives of relevant security institutions. The officials will meet in Islamabad July 3 to enhance the security coordination.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a comprehensive bilateral relationship, marked by enhanced trade and economic partnership.

Spanta called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and delivered President Hamid Karzai's letter.

The joint statement did not say anything about contents of the letter, however, Karzai had stated earlier that he would suggest a "road-map" for future cooperation.

Sharif welcomed Karzai's letter and Spanta's visit to Pakistan.

Both sides reiterated their common resolve to further enhance bilateral relationship in all dimensions in a meaningful and result-oriented manner.

Spanta participated in delegation-level talks with the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Spanta was sent days after Karzai told Sharif over the phone last week that his team will carry a letter that will seek a "road- map" for the future bilateral cooperation against terrorism.

The visit came at a time when the cross-border firing has again caused tensions between the two uneasy neighbours.

Afghanistan Monday claimed that Pakistani troops, in civilian dress, intruded in its Kunar province and killed three Afghan soldiers and eight civilians.

Pakistan dismissed the claim as baseless.