A top Pakistani official is expected to hold talks with Afghan leaders in Kabul, as part of an effort to improve the strained ties between the neighboring countries.
Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s national security and foreign affairs adviser, was expected to meet July 21 with President Hamid Karzai.
It is the first visit to Afghanistan by a senior Pakistani official since Pakistan’s new government was formed after elections in May.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are frequently strained, with Afghan officials accusing Islamabad of backing Taliban militants who are seeking to overthrow the government.
Ties were inflamed when the Taliban, in June, opened an office in Qatar to conduct peace talks.
The office has since been closed, following critical comments from Afghanistan’s government.
Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s national security and foreign affairs adviser, was expected to meet July 21 with President Hamid Karzai.
It is the first visit to Afghanistan by a senior Pakistani official since Pakistan’s new government was formed after elections in May.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are frequently strained, with Afghan officials accusing Islamabad of backing Taliban militants who are seeking to overthrow the government.
Ties were inflamed when the Taliban, in June, opened an office in Qatar to conduct peace talks.
The office has since been closed, following critical comments from Afghanistan’s government.