ISLAMABAD, NOVEMBER 16, SPA -- The Chairman of the Senate in Afghanistan Sibghatullah Mujaddadi met here today Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro. "Pakistan and Afghanistan have deep-rooted relationship based on shared history, culture, common faith, commonality of interest and economic inter-dependence and Pakistan wants to further strengthen the economic and trade ties with Afghanistan for which significant potential exists," Soomro said, according to an official statement. He said that a sovereign, strong and stable Afghanistan is good for its own people and also in Pakistan's strategic interest. The prime minister expressed confidence that the decision of Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga for exchange of delegations would greatly help in resolving security and other issues. Mujaddadi congratulated Soomro on assuming the new responsibilities and expressed confidence that things would move peacefully towards the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. He emphasized on further expanding the bilateral relations at all levels. Pakistan, he said, is a close brotherly and neighborly country and the Afghan people have great love and affection for the people of Pakistan. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/500286