ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Friday said Pakistan believed that a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan was in its own interest.

He was talking to Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Zalmai Rassoul, who called on him at the prime minister house to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The prime minister termed the recent visit of Salahuddin Rabbani, Chairman of the High Peace Council, to Islamabad successful. He said that the council made important contributions and engaged positively with their Pakistani interlocutors.

PM Ashraf said both the countries are facing a common challenge of terrorism and drug trafficking. He stressed to work closely to confront these challenges.

The prime minister expressed the hope that the agreement between the two neighbours of holding an Ulema conference would contribute positively towards consolidating their bilateral relations.

The Afghan foreign minister suggested the visit of high peace council successful as both the governments are now holding talks to resolve issues. He added that time had come to show results.

Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Mohammad Umer Daudzai, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Defence Syed Naveed Qamar and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.