Foreign Minister Khar receives US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas R. Nides

(2012-04-04)

A US delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of State Thomas R. Nides, called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at the Foreign Ministry, today.

The two delegations exchanged views on the whole gamut of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Minister briefed the US side on the parliamentary process underway in regard to new terms of engagement with the United States.

The Foreign Minister underscored that the democratic Government of Pakistan wanted the voice and aspirations of the people of Pakistan reflected in the country’s foreign policy. She stressed that the parliamentary process was the key in achieving Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives which included security and economic prosperity of the country.

Foreign Minister Khar reiterated Pakistan’s position on issues of national interest and respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also highlighted the human and economic sacrifices made by Pakistan, stressing that Pakistan’s cooperation with the international community in achieving the shared objectives was on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest.

The US Deputy Secretary of State conveyed that the US fully respected the parliamentary process and reaffirmed US Government’s desire to re-engage with Pakistan. He also appreciated Pakistan’s positive and constructive role in bringing peace and stability in the region. He said that the US recognized the need to work with Pakistan to find the way forward in bilateral relations.

Islamabad
04 April 2012

068/2012