Afghan president calls for close relations with Pakistan

Karzai stated that his government would ink a proposed security pact with the US if this country's national interests were respected.
Afghanistan's President on Wednesday said that he will not pursue peace talks with the Taliban unless the United States steps out of the negotiation. (AP/File)
Afghanistan's President on Wednesday said that he will not pursue peace talks with the Taliban unless the United States steps out of the negotiation. (AP/File)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai Saturday called for close and friendly relations with Pakistan and stated that his government would ink a proposed security pact with the US if this country's national interests were respected.

"Once again I am calling on Pakistan to choose the way of friendship," Karzai said at a press conference at his palace here, alluding to the Wednesday night clash between border guards of the two countries along the Durand Line in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

The clash left an Afghan policeman killed while injuring two Pakistani troopers.

Karzai also stated that the "Afghan nation has not recognised the Durand Line and would not accept it in future".

Durand Line, dividing the two neighbouring countries, has not been recognised as official border by Afghanistan.

Karzai also said his government would ink the proposed security pact with the US if Afghanistan's national interests were respected.

He said his Aghanistan wants the US States to properly equip Afghan national security forcces, to support its economy and ensure his country's viable security.

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