ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Special Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for South Asia at the US National Security Council Dr. Peter Lavoy has said that continued close cooperation between Pakistan and the United States is very important to successfully fight terrorism and to attain the objectives shared by both countries.
In a meeting with the Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry in Islamabad on Thursday, Dr. Peter Lavoy gave the imperatives of peace, stability and security in the South Asia, and said that the US administration recognized the efforts and sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation and its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
Dr. Peter Lavoy also appreciated Pakistan’s outreach to Afghanistan and efforts aimed at securing peace and stability in Afghanistan.
In his remarks, the foreign secretary while taking note of the importance ascribed to the bilateral relationship at the highest political level in both countries, underscored the importance of deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields.
Referring to certain recent developments that had placed a strain on the bilateral relationship, the foreign secretary stressed that continued engagement was important to resolve the differences of perception and understanding.
The foreign secretary highlighted the successes Pakistan has been able to achieve in dismantling and eliminating the terrorists’ hideouts in Federal Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) through operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Chaudhry lamented that despite Pakistan’s indiscriminate action against all terrorist groups including the Haqqani Network, the US administration had decided not to certify the concerted and forceful measures taken by Pakistan.
The foreign secretary also reiterated the resolve of the Pakistani leadership to not allow anyone to use Pakistan’s soil against any country.
Dr. Lavoy’s visit to Pakistan is part of the regular high level exchanges between the United States and Pakistan.
