Pak-US counter-terrorism dialogue to begin from Monday

Two-day dialogue aimed at discussing terror threat, cooperation between the two countries

Pakistan and the United States (US) are scheduled to kick off a two-day counter-terrorism dialogue on March 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday.

The two countries will hold a Counter Terrorism Dialogue on 6-7 March 2023 in Islamabad, the statement said.

🔊: PR NO. 5️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣

Curtain Raiser: Pakistan-US Counter Terrorism Dialogue, 6-7 March 2023

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— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) March 5, 2023

According to details, Syed Haider Shah, additional secretary (UN and ED) will lead the Pakistan delegation and the US delegation will be headed by Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Christopher Landberg.

The event is aimed at discussing the common threat of terrorism, cooperation at multilateral fora and countering the financing of terrorism.

The two-day dialogue will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views and share their experiences and best practices in the domain of counter-terrorism.

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Earlier in February, the US had reiterated that the security relationship with Pakistan is 'important' and that many of the threats that Islamabad faces "could well in turn be threats to us".

However, Washington shied away from confirming reports of a possible resumption of security cooperation with Islamabad which was suspended during the Trump era.

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, when asked about the visit of a defense delegation from Pakistan and the rumored resumption of security cooperation, stated that Islamabad is "valued across many realms".

Refraining from providing any details on the matter, Price said that “Pakistan is a valued partner of the United States. Of course, we have a security relationship that is important to us knowing that many of the threats Pakistan faces could well in turn be threats to us. And so we value the work we do together, but I’m just not in a position to offer anything beyond that.”

During the briefing, in response to another question, the spokesperson also reiterated the US’ resolve to support “the peaceful upholding of democratic, constitutional, and legal principles” and that it values the “longstanding cooperation with Pakistan” that it enjoys.