Pakistan, US agree to maintain ‘close coordination’

Mahmood, Nuland discuss bilateral ties, key issues

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland have agreed to maintain close coordination with each other on all matters of common interest.

The consensus was reached on Friday when the foreign secretary received a telephone call from the US diplomat, according to a press release. They discussed bilateral relations and key regional issues.

The foreign secretary underlined Pakistan’s commitment to forging a broad-based and long-term bilateral relationship with the US. “Structured engagement is a key to the promotion of the two countries’ shared objectives of peace and development,” Mahmood said.

Underlining Pakistan’s focus on geo-economics, the foreign secretary reiterated the importance of enhancing economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries.

He highlighted the progress made by the government in improving the ease of doing business and promoting a more conducive environment for foreign investment in the country.

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Turning to the regional situation, Mahmood reiterated that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Afghan peace process.

He stressed that there was a fundamental convergence between Pakistan and the US on the need for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.

Moreover, it read that the foreign secretary underscored the urgency of accelerating intra-Afghan peace negotiations and the importance of a “responsible withdrawal” of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

“It is important for the key regional and international stakeholders to press all Afghan parties to engage constructively towards achieving an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement,” he added.

Mahmood also thanked Ambassador Nuland for the Covid-related support extended to Pakistan by the US, it read, adding: “The foreign secretary and Under Secretary Nuland agreed to maintain close coordination on all matters of common interest.”