RAWALPINDI, June 11: President Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday that Pakistan and Afghanistan must act together to cope with the challenges faced by them and benefit from the tremendous economic opportunities offered by their geo-strategic location.

The president was talking to a delegation of Afghan parliamentarians.

He said that without peace and stability in the region the two countries could not prosper and progress and urged measures to counter extremism and terrorism.

The president pointed out that Pakistan and Afghanistan served as a gateway to Central Asia and to the rest of world.

The Afghan parliamentarians vowed not to let foreign intruders spoil relations with Pakistan and cause destabilisation of its neighbour.

They said they were committed to opening a new chapter in relations.

Leader of the delegation Senator Syed Hamid Gilani spoke about the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He also said the Afghan people had always seen their future linked with Pakistan and he would convey to his government the apprehensions of the people of Pakistan.

The Afghan delegation expressed its deep gratitude to President Musharraf and the people of Pakistan for the assistance extended to their country over the past two decades.

—APP