ISLAMABAD:  Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrived in Islamabad Wednesday for talks with Pakistani leaders covering issues between the wary neighbours, a foreign office spokesman told AFP.

Karzai was greeted by food and agriculture minister Nazar Muhammad Gondal and other senior officials on his arrival in the capital.

"He (Karzai) will hold talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and discuss bilateral relations and the situation in Afghanistan," foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said.

"Bilateral relations have improved considerably between our countries during the last two years and this visit will give further momentum to the relationship," he added.

The visit is Karzai`s second to Pakistan in six months and takes place three days before Afghan parliamentary elections.

Karzai`s government is pursuing peace talks with different factions within Afghanistan including some Taliban leaders believed to be living in the remote tribal border areas in Pakistan.

Pakistan has repeatedly said it could play a role in promoting reconciliation in Afghanistan and has expressed willingness to assist Afghan-led peace efforts.

BDST: 1842 HRS, September 15, 2010