Sources say PM Nawaz also invited US President Obama to visit Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD: US President Barack Obama and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spoke by telephone on Thursday about counterterrorism and other issues, and agreed to meet, the White House National Security Council said on Twitter.
The two leaders “expressed the intent to meet at a mutually convenient time,” the White House said, and agreed to continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif used the opportunity to take up Pakistan’s case for Nuclear Suppliers Group membership with the US.
Obama “welcomed the improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and noted appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism,” the White House said. The call lasted for about half an hour.
The premier expressed Pakistan’s desire of becoming member of the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG). The Nuclear Suppliers Group is a 48-nation body established 40 years ago to ensure that civilian trade in nuclear materials is not diverted for military purposes.
The NSG was founded in response to the Indian nuclear weapon test in May 1974 and first met in November 1975 to set guidelines for nuclear-related export.
Sources in federal government of Pakistan said that prime minister during his telephonic talk urged Obama to play a role in convincing India to resume talks with Pakistan on bilateral issues.
The sources said Nawaz also invited Obama to visit Pakistan.
Premier Nawaz also conveyed Pakistan’s concerns over India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, pointing that India does not qualify for the permanent seat as it has been violating UN resolutions aimed at assuring the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir.
During his visit to India last month, Obama had lent his support to India’s bid for UN Security Council’s membership.
Meanwhile, Obama congratulated the prime minister on the success of the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
(With input from news wires)
Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2015.
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