ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday conveyed the United States Pakistan’s readiness to work with the International Community to explore ways in which the Afghan crisis can be resolved.
Talking to the US National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R McMaster in Islamabad, the prime minister said that as a longstanding friend and a partner, Pakistan was looking forward to forging a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the US and to working with the new US administration to promote peace and security in the region and beyond.
The prime minister shared his concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the continuing impasse. He reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful neighbourhood, and apprised the US national security advisor of the steps taken by Pakistan to reach out to both India and Afghanistan.
The prime minister also reiterated his firm conviction on sustained dialogue and meaningful engagement as the only way forward to resolve all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan including the Kashmir dispute.
Sharif welcomed President Trump’s willingness to help India and Pakistan resolve their differences particularly on Kashmir and noted that this could go a long way in bringing sustainable peace, security and prosperity to the region.
Moreover, the prime minister apprised the US national security advisor of the efforts and initiatives of his government which have resulted in a marked improvement in the overall security situation while also paving way for an economic turnaround in the country.
The prime minister emphasized that the developments which fully captured the spirit of “new Pakistan” were being widely acknowledged and appreciated by the international community.
Sharif said that across-the-board consensus achieved by his government to combat extremism and terrorism. He said that structural reforms in the economy have laid the foundation of a moderate, progressive and democratic Islamic Republic that is ready to do business with the United States and the world at large.
In his remarks, General McMaster conveyed the greetings of US President Donald Trump and assured the prime minister that the new administration was committed to strengthening bilateral relations and working with Pakistan to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the wider South Asian region.
This was General McMaster’s first visit to Pakistan as the US National Security Advisor and the first formal high level exchange between the US and Pakistan under the new administration.
