KABUL, April 13: Afghanistan must have a balanced foreign policy, with good relations with the United States and India as well as immediate neighbours Pakistan and Iran, the nominee for foreign minister said on Thursday.

Rangeen Dadfar Spanta, named by President Hamid Karzai last month to replace Abdullah Abdullah, also said the thorny issue of the border with Pakistan, which has bedevilled relations for decades, had to be decided by the Afghan parliament.

“For averting conflicts, differences and dangers, I believe we have no other way, but to establish reciprocal and multi-sided interests with neighbouring countries and the region,” Mr Spanta told parliament.

The lower house of the Afghan parliament, elected last September, will vote on all members of Karzai’s cabinet after questioning them about their policies. Votes are expected later this month.

Mr Spanta said balance in relations with countries in the region, such as Iran, could be achieved even while Afghanistan maintains a close relationship with the United States.

Asked to comment on the Durand Line, Spanta said it was not within his authority.

—Reuters