ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and the United States have reiterated their resolve to further deepen the bilateral relationship and strengthen mutual consultations on Afghanistan post-2014 with a view to advancing the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development in the region and beyond.
The foreign office said that the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins paid his farewell call on the prime minister’s adviser on national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on Monday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and developments in Afghanistan.
The adviser took the opportunity to laud ambassador Dobbins’ efforts for the promotion of stable, cooperative and durable relations between Pakistan and the US during his term as the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The prime minister’s adviser highlighted the instrumental role of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue in fostering closer collaboration between the two countries in diverse fields including trade, economy, energy, counter-terrorism, education and science and technology.
Reviewing the process since its revitalization last year, the two sides expressed satisfaction over the steady enhancement of mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation.
The adviser also highlighted Pakistan’s monumental effort to address the threat of terrorism and underscored that the military operation Zarb-e-Azb against militants in the North Waziristan tribal region was addressing this menace without any discrimination or distinction.
In the regional context, the adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan. He appreciated the efforts of Secretary John Kerry who had contributed to an amicable understanding on election-related issues.
Sartaj Aziz also underlined Pakistan’s support for a peaceful democratic transition, underscoring its vital importance for stability in Afghanistan and the region.
The meeting was also attended by the US ambassador in Pakistan Richard Olson and the foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.
