ANKARA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the progress in negotiations between the government committee and the Taliban.

The prime minister told reporters in Ankara that the armed forces had extended support for the peace initiative. He said the Taliban had assured of action against those who had committed acts of terrorism in recent days.

Prime Minister Sharif arrived in Ankara earlier in the day for a three-day official visit and to represent Pakistan at the eighth Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey summit.

In reply to a question, he said democracy and stability in Afghanistan were vital for peace in Pakistan.

About Pakistan-India relations, Mr Sharif said the situation along the Line of Control had improved after a meeting between the directors general of military operations.

He said the government had urged the United Nations to play its role in helping resolve the Kashmir dispute. “Pakistan wants the issue resolved and has asked India to come to the negotiating table.”

He said he had also discussed the matter with US President Barack Obama during his visit to the United States.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail Ahmad accompanied the prime minister on the visit.

Mr Sharif attended a dinner hosted by Turkish President Abdullah Gul at the presidential palace. Afghan President Hamid Karzai was also present.

The prime minister will also visit Istanbul to meet leading Turkish businessmen and investors.

RECONCILIATION: Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said on Wednesday that supporting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan was part of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, she said peace in Afghanistan would have a good impact on Pakistan.

The spokesperson said the summit gave an opportunity to member states to discuss different issues.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Haroon Shaukat told the radio the trilateral summit had assumed significance as it was taking place in the backdrop of political and military transition in Afghanistan.

He said since Ankara enjoyed cordial relations with both Islamabad and Kabul, it was trying to facilitate a reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

In reply to a question, the ambassador said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would hold wide-ranging talks with Turkish leadership on ways and means to strengthen cooperation in different sectors.

The prime minister will meet heads of some major Turkish companies to explore possibilities of cooperation, especially in the power sector.—APP