ISLAMABAD: Representatives of over two dozen countries are gathering in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad to seek joint efforts to bring peace to war-torn Afghanistan.

A statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office Wednesday said Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani jointly opened the one-day ministerial conference.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived Tuesday, bringing with her "a message of improving ties."

The "heart of Asia" initiative was inaugurated in Istanbul in 2011 and aims to promote peace in Afghanistan.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have been trading accusations of supporting insurgents since Afghan peace talks brokered by Islamabad collapsed last summer.

Sharif reiterated in his opening remarks Pakistan's commitment and desire to resume the stalled talks.

Ghani and Swaraj will also hold bilateral talks with Sharif.