Afghan President Hamid Karzai travels to Pakistan Friday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

A Pakistani Foreign Office said President Asif Ali Zardari invited Mr. Karzai, who is expected to hold talks with Mr. Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

A Foreign Office statement said “Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoy close cordial relations and President Karzai's visit will contribute to further enhancing friendship and close cooperative ties between the two brotherly people and countries.”

A joint peace commission is also scheduled to meet during Mr. Karzai's visit.

The talks are likely to focus on efforts to negotiate peace with the Taliban, cooperation in the war against terror and expanding trade and business ties.