ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The US National Security Advisor Lt. General H.R. McMaster on Monday renewed the commitment of the new US administration to work closely with Pakistan in strengthening mutually beneficial relations, and towards the shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
In a meeting with the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad, General McMaster acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating extremism and terrorism.
Sartaj Aziz noted that Pakistan and the United States have been close friends over decades and that a continued strong partnership between the two countries remained critical to promoting and sustaining peace and stability in the wider region.
The adviser conveyed Pakistan’s concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with the international community to support efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
The adviser on foreign affairs also shared its perspective on the plight of Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the status of relations with India.
In reiterating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a peaceful neighborhood and commitment to dialogue and engagement, the adviser apprised the US national security advisor of the steps taken by Pakistan to reach out to both India and Afghanistan.
Sartaj Aziz gave a detailed briefing on the policies being pursued by the government that have resulted in improved security environment and economic turnaround in Pakistan. He noted that impressive gains have been made in eliminating terrorists and that Pakistan remained determined to continue this fight as part of the National Action Plan (NAP) until the scourge of terrorism is completely eliminated from its soil.
Furthermore, he said that the government was determined to maintain the existing momentum on both the security and economic fronts to lead the people of Pakistan towards a prosperous and secure future.
