Asif Ali Zardari leaves for US for NATO summit

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari today left for Chicago to attend a crucial NATO Summit that will focus on the Afghan war, amid hectic negotiations between Pakistani and American officials on a deal to reopen supply routes for foreign troops in Afghanistan.

Zardari left for the US shortly after midnight to attend the NATO Summit in Chicago during May 20-21.

Pakistani officials have said Zardari was extended an unconditional invitation by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen though analysts believe the move was linked to Islamabad's decision to move towards reopening the supply routes.

The President will address the expanded International Security Assistance Force meeting of NATO and meet various heads of state and government on the margins of the summit.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jillani are part of the President's delegation.

Over the past few days, Pakistani and American officials have been engaged in hectic negotiations on a deal to reopen the NATO supply routes, which were closed in November after a cross-border air strike by US forces in Afghanistan killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.