Dushanbe summit pledges to strengthen regional trade

DUSHANBE: The quadrilateral meeting of heads of state of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Russia ended adopting a joint statement pledging to strengthen regional trade and to fight terrorism and narco trade.

The summit focussed on joint efforts for peace and security in the region and for increased cooperation in communication, transportation and energy.

President Asif Ali Zardari represented Pakistan and was accompanied by Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain.

The joint declaration also pledged to implement joint projects in energy, transport, communication and infrastructure development. It also accepted President Zardari's invitation to hold next quadrilateral in Islamabad next year.

President Zardari will hold bilateral meeting with Russian President before returning to Pakistan later in the day.