ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (DNA): Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghan Ambassador Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal discussed current profile of Pak-Afghan economic cooperationDuring their meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, they discussed steps   with particular emphasis on promotion of trade and developing communication linkages between the two countries. The Minister welcomed the newly appointed Afghan Ambassador  and felicitated him on assuming his responsibilities.

Zakhilwal, it may be mentioned has also served as the Finance Minister of Afghanistan and Economic Advisor to the Afghan President.

The Minister on this occasion discussed with the Afghan Envoy current profile of Pak-Afghan economic cooperation with particular emphasis on steps taken for trade facilitation and developing communication linkages.

The Minister said Pakistan took great pride in relations with the brotherly Islamic country Afghanistan. He made special mention of projects that Pakistan had undertaken in Afghanistan as a goodwill gesture and added that majority of these projects were nearing completion. The Minister reiterated the mutual desire of leadership of both countries to take Pak-Afghan all round cooperation to a new high.

The Afghan Envoy said he looked forward to making all out efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. He agreed that there is great scope to build up volume of bilateral trade and augment economic relations. He added he would particularly focus on these areas. He also thanked the Finance Minister for receiving him for the meeting.  Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance were present on the occasion. DNA