KABUL - The United States recognises the Durand Line as an international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the State Department said on Thursday.

Two days back, former president Hamid Karzai had refused to recognise Durand Line as a permanent border between the two countries. He insisted the border had to be redefined.

Karzai’s remarks are in line with the position taken by successive Afghan governments over the decades. The 1,400-mile border was established in 1893 following an agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand, a representative of British India, and King Abdur Rahman Khan.

Addressing a news conference in Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirbysaid: “We don’t have any new policies with respect to the borders of Afghanistan.”

Asked if the US recognised the Durand Line as the final border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Kirby replied: “It’s the recognised border, and we recognise the borders of Afghanistan.” (Pajhwok)