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Accorded warm welcome in Herat

Aseff holds talks on

Afghan development

ISLAMABAD: On Arrival in the historical city of Herat, Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali was accorded a warm and cordial welcome, says a message received here on Monday.

An impressive ceremony was arranged at the airport which included a guard of honour and introduction to all the dignitaries to the South Western Region.

General Ismail Khan accompanied the Foreign Minister to the State Guest House and held with him talks focussing on developments in Afghanistan, General Ismail Khan expressed appreciation that for the first time Pakistan Foreign Minister had visited the South Western region of Afghanistan. He expressed gratitude for the crucial support extended by Pakistan during the Jihad which had culminated in the restoration of Afghan freedom.

"Foreign Minister, Aseff Ahmad Ali briefed General Ismail Khan about Pak-Uzbek and Pak-Turkmen interests in the gas pipeline, railway line and the reconstruction of roads in order to establish links between Pakistan and Central Asian States through Afghanistan.

General Ismail Khan expressed Afghan government's keen desire for early initiation of these projects which would boost the economic conditions in Afghanistan.

Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali said that Pakistan had the welfare of the people of Afghanistan at Heart. He had brought a message of peace and goodwill from the government and the people of Pakistan. He said that we always enjoyed good relations with all Afghan brothers and had no favourites. We support the integrity and independence of Afghanistan and shall do everything within our means to help this nation.-APP