Aziz calls for increase in Pak-US dialogue

Cooperation between the two countries vital to defeat militancy, says foreign affairs adviser

Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has called for an increase in dialogue and communication at all levels between Pakistan and the United States.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, the adviser said cooperation between the two countries was significant to defeat militancy and bring peace and stability to the region, including Afghanistan, Radio Pakistan reported.

Aziz deemed the country's fight against terrorism successful, claiming that such incidents  had decreased by 70 per cent. He stressed on the state's policy to eliminate militancy, saying Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, which was launched after a series of attacks in the country in February, is underway without any discrimination.



The foreign affairs adviser said he hoped the improved security and economic situation will boost trade and investment relationship between Islamabad and Washington.

Also present at the conference, US Ambassador David Hale, emphasised on the need for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

Hales said Pakistan and the US had shared interests, i.e. fighting militancy, nurturing economic growth and expanding investment, among others.

The ambassador reaffirmed the US' acknowledgement of Pakistan's sacrifices in this regard. He said the relationship state was resilient, adding that Pakistan's success was of great strategic interest to the US.