News
US lauds Pakistan for facilitating talks between Afghan govt, Taliban
INP
WASHINGTON - Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi met US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken at the Department of State on Tuesday.The special assistant and the deputy secretary reviewed the state of bilateral relationship and expressed satisfaction over its growing momentum and positive trajectory. In this regard, they acknowledged that high level interactions between the leadership of the two countries had contributed significantly in strengthening bilateral cooperation on economy, regional stability, and countering extremism and terrorism.
Fatemi briefed Blinken on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s consistent policy of outreach to Pakistan’s neighbours, and his commitment to maintain cordial relations with all its neighbors, including Afghanistan and India. He also apprised Blinken of the steps taken by the incumbent government over the last two years to implement its economic agenda, while highlighting the progress made in achieving economic stability and investor confidence.
Fatemi also briefed Blinken about the ongoing law enforcement operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) aimed at securing Pakistani soil from all militants. He thanked the US for its continued support to Pakistan for its political and economic stability, and its efforts to bring regional peace and harmony. Deputy Secretary Blinken appreciated Pakistan’s stabilising role in the region. He also lauded Nawaz Sharif’s efforts to reach out to Pakistan’s neighbours, and hoped that his initiatives would help bring peace and prosperity in the region.
Blinken assured Fatemi of continued US engagement with the region. He also reiterated US support to Prime Minister Sharif’s economic development plans, with special focus on energy and countering extremism and militancy. Pakistan’s role in facilitating the reconciliation process between Afghan government and the Taliban was also lauded by the US side. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani accompanied Tariq Fatemi, whereas Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman assisted Tony Blinken.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk
