950803

Aseff discusses

peace proposals

with Lafraie

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali discussed bilateral relations and the on-going process of national reconciliation in Afghanistan with Dr. Najibullah Lafraie, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in Kabul Thursday.

During Sardar Aseff's call on, the two ministers had an extensive exchange of views on the internal situation in Afghanistan, including the peace proposals presently under discussion, says a message received here.

Sardar Aseff emphasised Pakistan's abiding interest in restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan which would facilitate the opening of the transit routes between Pakistan and the Central Asian States.

Aseff also met at luncheon the leader of the Itehad-e-Islami, Prof. Abdul Rasool Sayyaf, called on the Minister for Health, Dr. Barakzai and Haji Javed Iqbal, the minister for planning.

Aseff called on Dr. Lafraie at the foreign office and had a preliminary exchange of views, focusing mainly on Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.

He emphasised that he "had come on a peace mission, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exchange views with the Afghan government on carrying forward the process of national reconciliation".

In the context of transit route to Central Asian States, the minister expressed the hope that Afghanistan would participate in the regional transport minister's conference expected to be held in due course.

Prof. Sayyaf hosted luncheon in honour of the minister at Bagh-e-Bala Restaurant, followed by exchange of views. Prof. Sayyaf reiterated his gratitude to the government and the people of Pakistan for the support extended during the Jehad which had played a vital role in the restoration of Afghan sovereignty and independence. He expressed deep interest in strengthening bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. The foreign minister extended an official invitation to Prof. Sayyaf to visit Pakistan at a time of mutual convenience.

During call on Dr. Barakzai, Sardar Aseff informed the Afghan health minister of Pakistan' decision to donate medicines worth Rs.5.00 lakhs as humanitarian assistance and that Pakistan would be prepared to consider further requests. The Foreign Minister also informed the Health Minister that several groups of private doctors in Pakistan had expressed interest in sending volunteers to assist the government of the Islamic State of Afghanistan in alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people.-APP