Pakistan premier phones Afghan head of peace talks

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday telephoned Abdullah Abdullah, the Afghan government representative who will lead talks with the Taliban aimed at ending the 19-year war in Afghanistan.

Khan said bilateral relations between the countries are based on commonalities of faith and culture, according to a statement from his office.

The phone call came after a Taliban delegation held talks Tuesday with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and spy chief Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed.

​"Highlighting Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process, the prime minister stressed that the Afghan leaders must seize this historic opportunity to achieve an inclusive political settlement contributing to durable peace, security and prosperity in Afghanistan," said the statement.

Khan also extended an invitation to Abdullah to visit Pakistan at the earliest to share perspectives on advancing the peace talks.

Abdullah thanked the Pakistani premier for the invitation and said he will visit soon.

"In a phone call with HE @ImranKhanPTI, I appreciated PAK's support for the peace process. We reiterated on the unique opportunity to reduce violence, start I/A talks & pursue a path to a dignified & durable peace. I thanked the PM for invitation, & visit Pakistan in near future," Abdullah said on Twitter.