US security adviser acknowledges Pakistan’s sacrifices in war on terror

Fatemi meets Susan Rice and Chairman Senate Armed Services Committee Senator John McCain in Washington

ISLAMABAD: US National Security Adviser Susan Rice has acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism and appreciated its commitment to eliminate the menace.

In a meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, both the advisers reviewed the current state of Pakistan, US bilateral ties at the White House on Tuesday, said a PID statement.

While recognising the significance of continued high-level engagements between the two countries, both sides agreed to work closely to sustain and further build the momentum in high level exchanges to further solidify mutual trust and confidence between the two countries.

Rice also expressed the United States' unremitting support for accelerated regional economic development through enhanced cooperation between the countries of South Asia.

Read: US reaffirms commitment to help Pakistan overcome energy crisis

Fatemi and Rice conveyed their confidence that Pak-US strategic partnership would further strengthen and deepen in the future. They also expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Second Round of Working Group Meetings under the resumed strategic dialogue.

Fatemi, accompanied by Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, also discussed the evolving regional scenario and how the two countries could cooperate to achieve their shared goals.

The US security adviser appreciated Pakistan's positive approach and outreach to its neighbours as part of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a peaceful neighborhood.

Both the diplomats also reaffirmed their desire for continued close coordination to realise peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Fatemi is currently on an official visit to the United States and is meeting senior Administration officials and members of the US Congress.

Meanwhile, the special assistant also met Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator John McCain.



PHOTO: PID

He informed the Senator about the overall security situation in the region and significant gains made by Pakistani forces following Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the military offensive against militants in FATA.

Regional situation including Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and the reconciliation process were also discussed.

Senator McCain expressed concerns about the rapid expansion of Islamic State, and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to meet this global challenge.

Fatemi also met Senator Bom Casey and discussed with him Pak-US ties.

Spec.Asst. to the PM, Syed Tariq Fatemi met with @SenBobCasey and discussed Pak-U.S. bilateral relations @JalilJilani pic.twitter.com/44dIpOUtYB

— Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) July 22, 2015