ISLAMABAD, July 14: Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah has assured Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain that hundreds of Pakistanis captured during the US-led war in Afghanistan would be released soon.

The Afghan minister called on the premier on Wednesday, the last day of his two-day official visit, and held out this assurance, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

The prime minister conveyed to Dr Abdullah Pakistan's abiding interest in augmenting ties with Afghanistan to the mutual advantage of the two countries in the years ahead, it said.

The prime minister informed him of Pakistan's full support for President Hamid Karzai's endeavours for national reconciliation and reconstruction of the country. Islamabad would assist Afghanistan in whatever way it could, he added.

The foreign minister stated that Afghanistan also attached great importance to relations with Pakistan. Dr Abdullah informed Mr Shujaat about the ongoing political process in Afghanistan, including the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

Later, Dr Abdullah called on acting president Mohammedmian Soomro. Mr Soomro expressed satisfaction at relations between the two countries and said the government and people of Pakistan looked forward to President Karzai's visit.

Dr Abdullah stated that in view of centuries-old cultural ties, Afghanistan was keen to strengthen ties with Pakistan. He said Pakistan had emerged as a trading partner of Afghanistan and that the Joint Economic Commission, since its inception last year, had been playing an important role in enhancing bilateral economic interaction.

He appreciated the ongoing cooperation between the two countries to combat the menace of terrorism. Dr Abdullah informed the acting president about the arrangements being made in Afghanistan for the forthcoming national elections and steps being taken to improve the security situation in the country.