Nawaz meets Kerry, emphasizes need for bilateral relations

Kerry expressed confidence that the visit would help further deepen and expand US-Pakistan relations.

WASHINGTON: The US Secretary of State John Kerry hosted a dinner in honour of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his delegation at the State Department, soon after his arrival in the US capital.

From the US side, senior Administration officials including Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Director CIA John Brennan and SRAP James Dobbins assisted the Secretary of State.

Welcoming the PM, Kerry expressed confidence that the visit would provide the necessary stimulus to further deepen and expand US-Pakistan relations. Kerry stressed that the US would work with Nawaz in all areas of bilateral relations under the revived mechanism of the Strategic Dialogue.

He further appreciated the bold decisions taken by Nawaz for reviving the economy and overcoming energy shortages.

Nawaz said that he looked forward to meeting with President Obama at the White House on October 23. This would be the first summit level interaction between the two countries after the historic democratic transition in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister reiterated his determination to revive the economy and improve the law and order situation in Pakistan. Outlining his vision of promoting peace and stability in the region, Nawaz emphasized the need for the two countries to work together in meeting the common challenges of extremism and terrorism.

Other matters of mutual interest including regional stability and the situation in Afghanistan were also discussed during the meeting.

Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani accompanied Nawaz to the US.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Andrews Air Force Base in Washington for a three day official visit, Nawaz was accorded a warm welcome by the senior officials of the White House and the Department of State. A contingent of the US armed services also presented a guard of honour to the Prime Minister.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

[poll id="1238"]