Pakistan, U.S. agree to revive Strategic Dialogue

Pakistan and the United States Thursday announced revival of their strategic dialogue to further deepen their partnership in various fields after nearly two years of deadlock.

Advisor on National Security, Sartaj Aziz, and the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, speaking at a joint press conference made the announcement after a series of meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other Pakistani leadership.

The strategic dialogue between both the countries had been stopped after the U.S. fighter jets bombed a Pakistani post and killed 24 soldiers in November 2011.

The last round of talks was held in October 2010 in Washington.

John Kerry in his remarks said his country wants long-term and strong relationship with Pakistan on all level.

“Both the countries witness some differences in past few years in their relations but hope resumption of strategic dialogue will help bridge the gap,” Kerry said after series of meeting with top civilian and military leaders.

Pakistani leaders in meetings asked John Kerry, to stop drone strikes in the country’s tribal regions.

The United Stated routinely fires missiles into tribal regions on the plea that militants use the area for planning attacks across the border in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan has asked the United States to change its policy on drone attacks which are not only in violation of its sovereignty but also have been proved as counter-productive,” Advisor on National Security Sartaj Aziz said at a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State John Kerry.

To a question he said both the sides have agreed to continue dialogue to review the policy of drone attacks.

He said Pakistan and the United States are facing common enemy in the shape of terrorists and they will have to work together to root-out the menace of terrorism, adding that overcoming terrorism is also of vital importance for economic revival of Pakistan. He urged Pakistan to be tough on the militants.

John Kerry said he has delivered an invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz from US President Barack Obama to visit Washington later this year which has been accepted by the Prime Minister.

“The United States fully respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and wants deep-rooted relations with it on the basis of mutual respect and interest,” he said and that the militants do not respect Pakistan’s sovereignty by killing civilians.

The Secretary of State applauded Pakistan’s role for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan acknowledging the sacrifices of Pakistani security forces in the war against terrorism.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s role for bringing Taliban on dialogue table to promote reconciliation in Afghanistan.

“The United Stated is working for resumption of four important trade routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

John Kerry stressed the need for improved Pak-India trade relations which will yield positive impact on the whole region as both the countries have enormous trade opportunities.

He termed dialogue with Pakistani leadership as positive and constructive and hope these will lead to further expansion of bilateral relations.

“We discussed all issues of mutual concern including Afghanistan‚ terrorism and cooperation in energy and education sectors.”

He said his country will extend full support to Pakistan in overcoming power crisis including construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam in northern Pakistan.

He felicitated Pakistani nation on smooth and peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another.

“It is also a good omen that the new President of the country has been elected in presence of the sitting President.”

Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan wants to enhance trade and investment relations with the United States besides seeking its cooperation in promotion of education.

He hoped that the resumption of strategic dialogue will lead to expand cooperation in various fields, adding Pakistan wants greater market access to the United States with a focus to increase trade volume up to eleven billion dollars. He said Pakistan wants more US direct foreign investment to revive its economy.

He said Pakistan is working to maintain good relations with all its neighbors including Afghanistan. He said Pakistan will fully assist foreign forces withdrawal from Afghanistan next year besides supporting Afghan-led reconciliation process to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41095

Posted by Tahir Khan on Aug 1 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.