To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his (a) Pakistani and (b) United States counterparts on securing the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan; what the outcome was of these discussions; and if he will make a statement. (155316)

[holding answer 12 September 2007]: I have discussed issues relating to Afghanistan-Pakistan border security on a number of occasions, including with Pakistani Foreign Minister Kasuri and with US Secretary of State Rice. All parties have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to Afghanistan, and the desire to see stable and peaceful development in the border areas and the wider region.