News
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Zardari asks US to stop criticising Pakistan* President stresses enhanced consultations based on mutual respect
* Pakistan supports Afghan-led reconciliation process
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that public criticism of Pakistan’s role undermined its common struggle against terrorism in the region.
Talking to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at Presidency, the president underscored the importance of enhanced consultations between Pakistan and the United States on the basis of mutual respect, sovereignty and interests.
During the one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, the two sides discussed host of issues relating to Pak-US relations, fight against terrorism, regional situation with particular reference to Afghanistan.
Zardari said, “Our people and the leadership is among the first ones to fully realise and comprehend the threat posed by violent mindset which is bred on the premises of deprivation and fuelled by sense of inequality.”
Discussing situation in Afghanistan, the president reiterated that Pakistan supports all efforts for regional peace, prosperity and connectivity, based on existing realities of the region.
He said Pakistan, being the immediate neighbour, has abiding interest in the peace, stability, security and prosperity of Afghanistan and will continue to support every effort in this regard.
He said Pakistan supports Afghan-led and Afghan owned reconciliation process.
Clinton appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in promoting reconciliation. She said that US administration desired continued partnership with Pakistan. She agreed with the president’s strong emphasis on promoting trade rather than aid as the vehicle for development cooperation and assured that the US administration was working to facilitate enhanced market access for Pakistani products. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk