US special envoy discusses post-election Afghanistan with army chief

US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins also met with Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD: US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, James Dobbins, met top political and military leaders on Monday. 

Ambassador Dobbins, while on his farewell visit, called on Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif, at General Headquarters and adviser to the PM on national security, Sartaj Aziz, at the Foreign Office.

During the meeting with the army chief, matters of mutual interest came under discussion including the post-election situation in Afghanistan and coordination along Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Pakistan-US bilateral relations and developments in Afghanistan were discussed during the meeting with Aziz, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release.

The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador Richard Olson and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.

During the meeting, Aziz lauded Ambassador Dobbin’s efforts in promoting stable, durable and cooperative relations between Pakistan and the US during his term.

In view of both sides’ shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development in the region, the two sides vowed to further deepen their bilateral relationship, the press release added.

For closer collaboration between both countries, Aziz highlighted the importance of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue in order for collaborating in diverse fields such as counter-terrorism, energy, trade, economy, education and science and technology.

Reviewing the process since its revitalisation last year, both sides expressed their satisfaction over the steady enhancement of a mutual understanding as well as fruitful cooperation.

The adviser also highlighted Pakistan’s monumental effort to address the threat of terrorism and stressed that the military operation, Zarb-e-Azb, is addressing this menace without any discrimination or distinction.

Both sides have also said they would strengthen their mutual consultations on Afghanistan post-2014, and the adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan.

He appreciated the efforts of US Secretary of State John Kerry, who had contributed to an amicable understanding based on election-related issues in Afghanistan.

The adviser also underlined Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan’s peaceful democratic transition, and highlighted its vital importance for stability in Afghanistan and the region.