ISLAMABAD, FEB 25, (DNA) – Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Saturday assured that there is no threat to the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit to be held in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Briefing media about ECO Summit, he said most of the member states except Afghanistan have already confirmed their participation in the Summit.

Sartaj Aziz said the forum will deliberate and decide on ways and means to augment cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade, energy, tourism, investment, industry, economic growth, productivity, social self-aware and environment.

He said initiatives for development of education and scientific linkages, cultural and people to people contacts within the ECO will also be deliberated upon during the Summit.

The Advisor said China Pakistan Economic Corridor is an outstanding example of the Summit s theme of connectivity and it will expand the existing and planned transit and energy corridors in ECO region for greater progress and prosperity for the people of the area.

To a question, he hinted that Pak-Afghan border will be reopened in a day or two.

Earlier today, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal expressed hope that Pakistan could partially open the two countries’ border for Afghan sick, women, elders as well as Afghans who are stranded in Pakistan with valid visas later the day.

Zakhilwal posted a statement on his official Facebook page Saturday and advised Afghan nationals to “avoid travel to Pakistan even if the border is opened.”

Pakistan closed Pak-Afghan border on Feb. 16 for “security reasons” as it insists militants who have carried out recent attacks in Pakistan operate from the Afghan side of the border.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria has said that a decision regarding reopening of Pak-Afghan border will be taken in due course of time.=DNA

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