Afghanistan, Pakistan to fight al-Qaida together

[David]

AP


ISTANBUL, Turkey – The leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed they need to fight terrorism together in Turkish-sponsored talks Friday aimed at reducing tensions over militant attacks along the countries' lawless border.

"We're decided to draw a joint strategy to fight al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations" Afghan President Hamid Karzai said after meeting Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, in Istanbul.

Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of failing to take action against Taliban militants based in the tribal region along the border — and even colluding with them.

"Both countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan are affected seriously by terrorism," Karzai said.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said the three countries have agreed to set up committees to cooperate in politics, economics, military cooperation as well as security to build confidence.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has forged a closer relationship with Zardari than with former President Pervez Musharraf. He described his communication with Zardari on Friday as "excellent."

There have been signs of cooperation between Afghan, Pakistani and foreign troops, especially in dealing with cross-border infiltration of fighters and equipment from Pakistan into Afghanistan.

But Afghanistan and its allies worry that mounting tension with India over last week's Mumbai attacks may distract Pakistan from combating extremists in its tribal areas.

India has blamed the Mumbai attacks on a Pakistan-based militant group that has been linked to the country's intelligence service.

"Pakistan is doing an investigation. My focus, focus of the government, has been anti-terrorism. We're victims of terrorism," said Zardari. "We're going to fight against perpetrators and stateless actors of terrorism."

In 2007, Karzai met with Musharraf in the Turkish capital, Ankara, and the two declared their intent to cooperate against the Taliban.