US lauds Pakistan's reconciliatory efforts with Afghanistan

State Department deputy spokesperson says US welcomes increased bilateral dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday expressed appreciation for Islamabad's efforts towards Afghan reconciliation and welcomed this week's meetings between the top leadership of the two neighboring countries.

"We welcome any opportunity like this one for increased bilateral dialogue" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said.

The spokesperson, asked to comment on discussions between Pakistani and Afghan leaders during Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to Islamabad, said that "Pakistan's own security and stability is tied, of course, to a successful outcome in Afghanistan.”

“We have been appreciative of Pakistan's efforts to further reconciliation. Clearly there is an ongoing process here. And I don't have any more details."