US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs

The US Deputy Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs yesterday on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference. He was accompanied by Ambassador Richard Olson, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and the US Ambassador to Pakistan, David Hale.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the Pakistan-US relations following the recent visit of the Prime Minister to the US as well as regional situation including Afghanistan and India.

The Adviser expressed satisfaction at the successful visit of the Prime Minister to the US and underlined the need for a long term multidimensional partnership between Pakistan and the US for regional peace and stability. The Adviser also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to the policy of non-interference and peaceful neighbourhood in the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.

The Adviser underscored the significance of the recent interaction between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India in Paris and briefed him on the efforts being made to establish good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Mr. Antony Blinken highlighted the importance of Pakistan-US relations for the region. He also appreciated Pakistan’s strong commitment and firm actions taken to counter terrorism. He also recognized Pakistan’s sincere efforts towards facilitating the reconciliation process in Afghanistan. The US Deputy Secretary of State, who was coming straight from India, expressed hope that Pakistan and India will soon resume the dialogue for peaceful resolution of their outstanding issues.

Islamabad,
09 December 2015

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