ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, talking to the media before heading for Qatar on Monday, said that Pakistan will always remain relevant in determining the future of Afghanistan.

Gilani headed to Qatar to discuss Afghan peace efforts in the ultra-rich Gulf state where the Taliban and US officials have begun preliminary contacts.

Pakistan, which last week sought to reach out to Afghanistan following a period of particularly bad relations over violence plaguing both countries, insists that any process to end the 10-year war in Afghanistan be Afghan-led.

Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim, Gilani told reporters that there were lots of opportunities that need to be explored in Qatar.

He added that it was the first visit to Qatar in nine years and Pakistan, which is currently facing energy shortages, would look for the import of Liquefied Natural Gas and investments in its energy sector.

Prime Minister Gilani would also be looking at more job opportunities for Pakistani skilled and non-skilled manpower.

The premier said that the two sides would also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.

“We would support any process that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned,” Gilani said.

He said Pakistan, being the immediate neighbour, was the frontline state in the war against extremism and terrorism and has rendered numerous sacrifices.

About Qatar’s support to Pakistan in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Gilani said all the member countries support Pakistan.

Responding to a question, Foreign Minister Khar said that Qatar has been supporting Pakistan for an FTA with the GCC and hoped after Prime Minister Gilani’s visit the support would be more forthcoming.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is believed to have felt sidelined by contacts between the United States and the Taliban, who are leading an increasingly deadly insurgency against his government and 130,000 US-led foreign troops.

Islamabad has officially billed Gilani’s three-day visit to Qatar as an opportunity to boost ties and maximise trade.

“He will meet among others the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr al Thani,” foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit said.

“The prime minister’s visit is aimed at opening new vistas for enhanced mutual cooperation and activating the existing structured mechanisms and institutional linkages,” he added.

The Taliban confirmed last month that they planned to set up a political office in Qatar ahead of possible talks with the United States. Contacts between both sides have already begun, focused on a possible prisoner exchange.

“There are certain ideas and suggestions on Afghan reconciliation and when Prime Minister Gilani meets Qatar’s leadership, these will certainly come under discussion,” a senior Pakistani official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“The Americans have been briefing us on all developments aimed at pushing forward the peace process in Afghanistan and we have clearly told them that Islamabad strictly adheres to a policy of non-interference,” he added.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said last week that Pakistan was willing to do whatever the Afghans wanted to end the war, but insisted the process should not be led by the Americans or any other foreign power.

The senior official said it was “important to engage all Afghan factions including Taliban in the process to achieve a lasting peace”.

Khar visited Kabul last week and sought to refute perceptions that Islamabad was an obstacle to peace, and denied accusations in a leaked Nato report that her country was secretly supporting the Taliban.

Kabul has given its blessing to the Taliban office in Qatar, but has insisted on a central role in any negotiations.

The militia has denied any plans to hold separate talks with the Afghan government in Saudi Arabia, which Pakistan had reportedly offered to assist.

Asked how Pakistan viewed the Taliban’s office in Qatar, the official said: “now they have an address and all those wanting peace can have a contact.”