March 4, 2003	Tuesday	Zul Hijjah 30, 1423

ISLAMABAD, March 3: Proximity of Afghanistan and Pakistan, their cultural links and affinity provide them an enviable synergic atmosphere to increase bilateral trade, accelerate Pakistan’s contribution in reconstruction of Afghanistan and facilitate its economic recovery.

Lakhdar Brahami, United Nations Ambassador on Afghanistan, said this in a meeting with PM’s Adviser on Finance Shaukat Aziz here on Monday.

The two sides agreed that Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Economic Commission, established by the two countries, provides an institutionalized mechanism to leverage economic development in Afghanistan.

Mr Brahami informed Shaukat Aziz that Conference on Reconstruction of Afghanistan is expected to be held in Brussels on March 17.

It will be preceded by a meeting of stakeholders and Afghan government in Kabul from March 13 to 14. The Prime Minister’s adviser said that Pakistan in consultation with the Afghan government was expected to convene the first session of Joint Economic Commission in Kabul before the proposed meeting to identify areas of cooperation and assistance between the two countries.—APP