ISLAMABAD, July 13: Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Abdullah Abdullah has said that Pakistan and Afghanistan need to strengthen political and economic relations.

"We have to further improve our bilateral relations and I see Pakistan playing a far greater role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan," he said.

Talking to Dawn on Tuesday before holding a meeting with Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, he said that there existed a lot of opportunities to improve economic relations between the two countries.

"I am little bit late and should have been here much earlier," he said hoping that relations between the two states would grow specially when Mr Aziz becomes the new prime minister.

Mr Abdullah arrived here on a three day official visit to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues. He said that the idea of enlightened moderation floated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf would make Pakistan a vibrant country.

"We certainly support your president to have talked about this enlightened moderation and it is good for the Muslims," he said. Mr Aziz told this reporter said that Pakistan and Afghanistan would have to further strengthen political and economic relations in order to benefit the people of both the countries.