Negotiations between Afghanistan and Taliban leaders are advancing.

Pakistan has pledged its support to the reconciliation negotiations, a move welcomed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Pakistan and Afghanistan wrapped up two days of meetings on Thursday during which the talks with Taliban officials were a major discussion point. Karzai and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani led the talks.

At a press conference following the meetings the Afghan leader said, "I am thankful to you, Mr. Prime Minister, for offering support to Afghanistan's efforts for reconciliation. Indeed, Pakistan has a significantly important role to play in that and Afghanistan will welcome that role."

"We in Afghanistan are fully aware and recognize that without Pakistan, and without its cooperation in Afghanistan, Afghanistan cannot be stable or peaceful," Karzai said.

Pakistan is credited with creating the Taliban and assisting it to take control of the country after the chaos that followed the Soviet withdrawal.