Regional peace: US praises Pakistan’s approach towards neighbours

Susan Rice says PM’s vision will go a long way in achieving regional peace

ISLAMABAD: US National Security Adviser Susan Rice has praised Islamabad’s ‘positive approach’ towards improving relations with its neighbours amid escalating border tensions between Pakistan and India. Rice made these remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi in Washington on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Rice, while appreciating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a peaceful neighbourhood, noted that this policy would go a long way in achieving enduring peace and stability in the region.

Her statement came at a time when tensions are on the rise between Pakistan and India due to ongoing border clashes despite recent meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in the Russian city of Ufa.

Fatemi and Rice discussed the evolving regional scenario and how the two countries could cooperate to achieve their shared goals. They also reaffirmed their shared desire for continued close coordination to realise peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Fatemi briefed the US official about Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Fatemi, who was also accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani, informed Rice on the important advances made by Pakistan in improving the state of its economy, internal security and various steps taken by the government for socioeconomic development in the country.

Rice also acknowledged Pakistan's immense sacrifices in the war against terrorism and appreciated its commitment to eliminate this menace.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2015.