ISLAMABAD, JUNE 24, SPA -- Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Saturday that the start of regular quarterly contacts between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan will go a long way in improving and strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. Talking to Dr. Rangeen Dadfar Spanta, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, who called on him, Aziz said that Pakistan is keen to further enhance cooperation and coordination with Afghanistan especially in diplomatic, economic, defense and security fields, according to an official statement. The Prime Minister said both countries are linked with bonds of faith, culture, history and geography and also people to people contact. "Shared faith, cultural affinities and geographical proximity combine to add depth to our bilateral relations," he said. Aziz said Pakistan is totally committed to supporting President Karzai’s government and closely working with it because a strong, stable and peaceful Afghanistan is as much in our interest as it is in Afghanistan’s. “Afghanistan is the key element to the energy, trade and transportation corridor Pakistan wants to establish with the countries of Central Asia. A stable Afghanistan is critical to these links,” he added. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for systematic and sustained efforts to promote integration between the economies of the two countries. He said that the growing trade between the two countries has already reached the $1.5 billion mark. “We expect economic ties to further expand as several new projects have been approved by the Joint Economic Commission which recently met in Islamabad. Pakistan is keen to invest in Afghanistan and steps are being taken to identify the areas for investment.” Spanta thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality given to him and his delegation and said Afghanistan is equally keen to further improve relations with Pakistan which, he said, is the sole purpose of his visit. He said that regular contact between our leaders will help in strengthening relationship and improving understanding between the two countries. Spanta described his meeting with the Prime Minister as constructive and useful as it will further cement relations with brotherly Pakistan. --SPA 24/06/2006 15:31 ت م www.spa.gov.sa/370911