John Kerry calls PM Nawaz, discusses political issues

US Secretary of State will be visiting Pakistan this month.


Web Desk June 17, 2013
US Secretary of State John Kerry. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State John Kerry telephoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday and discussed issues of mutual interest, Express News reported.

Kerry will be visiting Pakistan this month which will make him the first high-ranking American official to visit the country since the May 11 general elections which saw Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz return to power.

Kerry’s trip was confirmed by the foreign office, which announced on June 13 that US Secretary of State will arrive in Islamabad later this month for crucial talks with the country’s new political leadership on future bilateral cooperation.

The US Secretary of State himself recently stated that he was eager to meet the new leadership in Pakistan.

Kerry’s visit is seen to be important because it will set the tone for future cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani also met Nawaz to firm up a strategy for crucial talks with Kerry.

COMMENTS (12)

Np | 11 years ago | Reply

@B: Yep. Precisely why he skipped Pakistan in his 7 country 14 day tour of Asia. The story put out by Pakistani media that sudden trouble in Syria forced him to cancel his trip is laughable. If he could o to even Brunei, he surely cold have come to Pakistan.

US CENTCOM | 11 years ago | Reply These meetings allow us to address our shared concerns and build on our improving relationship. We’ve come a long way in regards to improving our ties. It is important for us to meet regularly and prevent any issues from arising. At the end of the day, we are making common sacrifices for the betterment of the region. And it only makes sense for us to be on the same page in regards to our shared objectives. We repeat what Jen Psaki, Department of State Spokesperson, said recently: “We have a very strong ongoing dialogue with Pakistan regarding all aspects of the relationship and our shared interests, including security and counterterrorism cooperation. And we work together to address each other’s concerns. As we move forward with our counterterrorism operations, it is critically important that we continue to work closely with our partners throughout the world, providing them with the support they need, helping build their capacity to carry out counterterrorism operations in their own countries.” Ali Khan
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