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'Pakistan-US relations on upward trajectory'
APP
WASHINGTON – Pakistan and the United States have a strategic partnership that has gained impetus with productive cooperation in a range of areas, Islamabad's ambassador to the US said.
Speaking at the American University on relations between the two countries, the ambassador referred to strategic dialogue groups on economic, security, defence, energy, education and other areas that meet regularly to advance bilateral cooperation. He also cited close cooperation on regional security and stability issues including Afghanistan.
He said that besides the two countries also cooperate at trilateral and multilateral forums to advance international peace, security and development. Jilani also told the faculty and students at the University that Pakistan has made significant democratic strides with free media, judiciary, a strong civil society and national institutions playing their constitutionally mandated roles.
The ambassador said that Pakistan's economic policies have also been appreciated by world finance institutions. Interaction with the media, jilani, said that the US Congressional approval of $ 1 billion in military support for Pakistan was recognition of Pakistan's efforts and role in combating terrorism.
Regarding the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb military operation in North Waziristan, the ambassador said that Pakistan was conducting the massive action in its own interest, as it wants to get rid of any militants operating on its soil. He said that the offensive has eliminated sanctuaries of militants and dismantled their infrastructure.
“We are confident that we will be able to clear the area. The entire Pakistani nation including tribesmen is fully behind the offensive,” he added. On Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan, he said that since the inception of President Ashraf Ghani's government in Kabul, the relationship between the two countries has improved tremendously.
Jillani said that there was a much higher degree of mutual trust and commitment to cooperation as witnessed during a series of meetings between the two countries including at the level of President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif.
“There is a sea-change in the relationship. However, the ambassador said that Pakistan and Afghanistan need to develop an effective mechanism for border management.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk