Musharraf to visit Afghanistan

Kabul, Sep 5 (UNI) Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf will be visiting Afghanistan on the invitation of President Hamid Karzai for two days, this week.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sultan Ahmed Baheen here, the two leaders are expected to discuss security, regional cooperation, cultural and economic cooperation between the two countries.

''Our side will discuss all concerns very frankly'' Mr Baheen told UNI, adding that ''concerns'' of the both countries would be discussed.

Afghanistan has blamed Pakistan for its alleged help and support to terrorists by funding and training them.

Though senior Afghan leaders have stopped mentioning Pakistan by name, there has been no dearth of references to the 'southern neighbour' and its role in supporting the anti-nation elements.

In a an interview with the UNI, Foreign Minister Dr Dadfar Spanta mentioned his country's concerns about ''the expansionist foreign policy of some countries who try to use terrorism as an instrument of their foreign policy''.

During his visit President Musharraf is expected to address a gathering of selected political and civil society representatives.

Delegation level meetings are also expected to take place during the visit beginning on Wednesday.

The visit is being viewed as a very important one. President Musharraf had earlier visited Afghanistan in November 2004, soon after the Presidential elections to congratulate President Karzai on his election.

UNI XC SK GC1853