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Drone strikes will be important point of discussion in strategic dialogue: FO
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday described the resumption of Strategic Dialogue Process with United States as the most significant outcome of the recent visit of Secretary of State John Kerry to Pakistan during which both the countries discussed all the bilateral issues including drone attacks.
Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry in weekly press briefing here at Foreign Office said Pakistan and the United States have an important relationship based on mutual respect and trust. He said the bilateral relations of Pakistan and United States have many points of convergences and divergences and after the resumption of strategic dialogue process, all these issues would be taken up. He said the working on various subjects like energy cooperation, investment and trade between Pakistan and United States will be started very soon and ministerial level talks on these subjects will be held within six months as said by John Kerry following the talks between the two countries.
The spokesman said Pakistan very effectively conveyed its point of view on drone attacks during the meeting with John Kerry and it will continue to be an important point of discussion in the strategic dialogue process. He said Pakistan conveyed that these drone attacks are violation of its sovereignty and counter-productive besides violation of international rules and regulations.
He said the recent visit of John Kerry to Pakistan contributed to improving bilateral relations and these are not back on track.
Answering a question on the issue of cooperation from United States for Basha Dam, the spokesman said the US had already promised to support the project and had announced $200 million so far.
About the reaction on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the spokesman said Pakistan has conveyed its importance of energy sector projects like this to United States.
‘The spokesman said Pakistan has also proposed dates to India for resumption of composite dialogue process for resolution of outstanding issues between the two countries.
Replying to a question, the spokesman said dates have been proposed for two, out of eight elements of composite dialogue and that related to Wullar Barrage and Sir Creek.
He however said India has not yet responded to the proposed dates. He said the Indian side is also expected to come up with its own proposed dates for resumption of dialogue.
The spokesperson said leaders of both the countries have expressed the desire to improve the relations and hoped the two countries will engage in an uninterruptable and uninterrupted composite dialogue process.
He said, “We have already started track II diplomacy hoping that it will reinforce towards normalization of relations between the two countries. “The spokesperson said Pakistan believes in peaceful neighborhood and has taken steps to improve relations with all its neighbors including India.
APP
Courtesy www.geo.tv