Foreign Minister Khar meets US Secretary of State

Foreign Minister Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the sidelines of the18th ARF Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Bali today.

They exchanged views on bilateral relations and took stock of the regional situation. Secretary Clinton underscored the importance of bilateral relations noting that Pakistan, as a nation, has great potential. She said that terrorism was a common threat both to Pakistan and the US and stressed the need for continued close cooperation against this menace.

They agreed that there existed strategic convergence between the two countries and that there was a need to translate it into a win-win situation. They also agreed that an early return of peace and stability in Afghanistan would have a positive impact on overall in the region.

Both, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, emphasized the need for an early convening of the strategic dialogue and undertook to remain in contact.

The US Secretary of State also congratulated the Foreign Minister on assuming her new responsibilities.

Islamabad
23 July 2011

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