KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday congratulated Pakistan’s Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan on his election victory.
Ghani, who spoke with Khan by phone, invited him to officially visit Afghanistan, according to a statement issued by Ghani’s office.
“The president… expressed that our focus is not about the past, it is… to lay a foundation on cultural, economic, social and political spheres for a bright future,” the statement said.
Khan, recalling the historical commonalities between the two nations, said high-level talks are needed between the two sides to discuss their ties, the statement added.
He is regarded as a controversial figure in Afghanistan, where he is seen as sympathetic toward the Taliban.
After his election victory, Khan said he will work toward peace in Afghanistan. His win comes amid a push by Ghani’s government to hold peace talks with the Taliban, which has made military gains and reportedly held direct talks with US officials in recent days.
A former Taliban source with knowledge of the talks with US officials told Arab News that both sides are expected to meet again in the near future. He did not disclose the content of the talks.
