ISLAMABAD, June 24: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said that a strong and stable Afghanistan was not only in the interest of its people but also in the interest of peace, stability and security of the region.

Talking to Mian Gul Akbar Zeb, ambassador-designate to Afghanistan, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House, Mr Aziz said Pakistan and Afghanistan had deep-rooted relations and were linked with historical and cultural bonds.

He said that trade between the two countries was on the rise and Pakistan was keen to increase it from the present level of $1 billion.

Pakistan and Afghanistan, the prime minister emphasized, could join hands and work together for peace and security in the region.—APP