Pakistan PM to hold talks with Afghan leader

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Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will visit Afghanistan for weekend talks with President Hamid Karzai, Islamabad said on Thursday.

The visit comes ahead of the main fighting season in neighbouring Afghanistan, where 130,000 US-led troops are battling Taliban insurgents whose leaders are widely believed to be based in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

Relations have been strained over insecurity, with both accusing each other of destablising their countries, where militants are increasingly active.

Gilani will fly to Kabul on Saturday at the invitation of Karzai, Pakistani foreign ministry spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua told a weekly news briefing.

"The Prime Minster will have in-depth discussions with President Karzai on bilateral relations and regional matters," she said.

"This visit is part of our joint commitment to consult, cooperate and coordinate on all issues of mutual interest and concern," Janjua said, adding that both countries were "determined to promote development" in Afghanistan.

Pakistan is deeply suspicious of its rival India's role in Afghanistan, where New Delhi has provided $1.2 billion in aid since a US-led campaign ousted the Taliban regime in 2001.

On Wednesday, Pakistan joined Turkey in voicing support for initiatives to stabilise Afghanistan, including efforts for dialogue with the Taliban.

"We'll be facilitators to any format that leads to peace," said President Asif Ali Zardari, on an official visit to Turkey.

"Whatever needs to be done, Pakistan will be playing a positive role and hoping to facilitate the transition and dialogue," he said.

Pakistan was the main supporter of the Taliban until the September 11, 2001 attacks, after which it transformed into the frontline US partner in its campaign against extremism.

But some US analysts say that Pakistan, while fighting homegrown Taliban militants, has maintained contacts with the Afghan Taliban in hopes of remaining a pivotal player in its neighbour.

In December, Karzai said he would be happy if Turkey could allow the Taliban to open a representation office "to facilitate reconciliation" in Afghanistan.