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Afghan president says he'll visit Pakistan to improve ties

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, right, speaks during the Eid al-Fitr at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan | AP

In a message to mark Eid ul-Fitr, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that he will visit Pakistan this month. High level Afghan delegation held talks with top leaders from Pakistan at end of last month.

"Matters related to mutual interest, peace and stability in the region, Pak-Afghan border management and prospects for peace with particular emphasis on reconciliation process in Afghanistan were discussed," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said

Ghani said he will visit Pakistan on June 27 to have better relations with the neighbouring country and mend ties that are often characterized by mistrust and tit-for-tat accusations.

He has expressed that he wants to meet Imran Khan. The two leaders met last week on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Saudi Arabia.

"I hope the visit will be positive," Ghani said. Both countries hope to remove irritants who undermine efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

Kabul routinely accuses Pakistan of harbouring its Taliban enemies, yet in recent months Islamabad has lent its support to US efforts to broker an end to Afghanistan's long-running war.