Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan for closer cooperation

Presidents Asif Ali Zardari, Hamid Karzai and Mahmoud Ahm- edinejad on Tuesday agreed on enhanced closer cooperation between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

They decided to hold regular interactions between the three countries on regional issues and for increased mutual cooperation in all spheres including the fight against terrorism. The three leaders who had a meeting in Tehran on the sidelines of the 10th ECO summit agreed to have a meeting of their Foreign Ministers every month while the three Heads of States will meet every three months to discuss regional situation and coordinate efforts for closer ties.

The three Foreign Ministers will announce the dates, venue and agenda for the first Foreign Ministers level trilateral meeting, paving way for enhanced closer cooperation between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.

During the trilateral meeting which was held on the proposal of President Zardari, who also had exclusive as well as the delegation level talks with the Iranian and Afghan Presidents separately, the three leaders identified war on terror, border issues and trade and economic cooperation as major areas of focus. APP