Afghan President Hamid Karzai has met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad to discuss how to push for direct talks between the Kabul government and Taliban insurgents.
President Karzai told reporters that he emphasized the need for enhancing joint efforts to counter extremism and promote peace and stability on both sides of their shared border.
Mr. Sharif says he reaffirmed Pakistan's "strong and sincere" support for the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. He said, however, that these efforts will have to be led by Afghans.
Monday's discussions also focused on increasing bilateral relations in areas such as trade, economy, energy and communications.
The two leaders also oversaw the signing of a comprehensive agreement by their finance ministers to speed up bilateral economic and development projects.