Pakistan

PM, US president renew pledge to counter all forms of terrorism

The two leaders also renew commitment to Afghan reconciliation, dialogue between India-Pakistan, says joint statement

Web Desk October 22, 2015

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama in a meeting at the White House on Thursday on October 22, 2015. PHOTO: PID

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama renewed on Thursday their resolve to promote peace and stability throughout the region and to counter all forms of extremism and terrorism.

During the meeting at the White House, the two leaders agreed the bilateral security relationship between Pakistan and the US will continue to be integral to regional stability, according to a joint statement.

Joe Biden lauds Pakistan's role in war against terrorism

They also agreed that stability of South Asia depends on cooperation among all neighbours to suppress all extremist and militant groups operating in the region.

PHOTO: PID

Advancing Afghan reconciliation process

Obama and Nawaz also expressed their commitment to advance an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process between the Afghan government and Afghan Taliban, urging the latter to enter into direct talks with Kabul, aimed at working towards a sustainable peace settlement.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s territory would not be used against any other country.

Pakistan-India ties

Meanwhile, both the leaders expressed concern over the violence along the Line of Control, and emphasised the importance of dialogue process between the two neighbours to resolve all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful means.

In Jt statement issued today US calls for uninterrupted and resilient dialogue between Pakistan and India
— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) October 22, 2015

The premier highlighted Pakistan’s resolve to take effective action against United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, as per its international commitments and obligations.

US most relevant country to intervene in Kashmir dispute: PM

Pakistan’s role for peace, stability

Acknowledging Pakistan’s role as a key counter-terrorism partner, Obama said he recognised the sacrifices Pakistani civilians, military and law enforcement personnel had made over the years as they confront terrorism and militant groups.

Pakistan-US partnership

Building on this progress, the premier and US president expressed their desire to expand the bilateral relationship in areas outside the traditional security realm in recognition of the multifaceted issues facing both countries.

These include trade and investment, education, science and technology, clean, efficient and affordable energy, efforts to counter climate change; economic growth; regional integration, rule of law, people-to-people and cultural ties, and support for democratic principles.

2015 JOINT STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND PRIME MINISTER NAWAZ SHARIF

COMMENTS (14)

Afridi | 9 years ago | Reply Was this a joke, come tell me its not a joke, i mean for god sake why were u there mr. PM. You were only there for what, only to agree and disagree on something and take dictation from America. What have u demanded? like a nuclear deal. We were expecting some solid demands not just weak requests

Prakash G | 9 years ago | Reply Back in my marketing days, if I had returned from a client meeting with so much fluff and no concrete progress, I would have lost my job.

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observer | 9 years ago | Reply LOL! Sharif spends millions of dollars on this trip. All he got was a stiff admonition to act against terrorists operating from Pakistani soil.

Khan | 9 years ago | Reply The joint statement which was put out by Sharif-Obama is a major document. It clearly states that the US and Pak must move beyond a mere security-transactional relationship and develop deep and comprehensive ties. Nawaz Sharif's mantra has been "trade, not aid," and this seems to have struck a chord with Obama who, as per the joint statement, seems to agree. It's also noteworthy that the only terrorist group USA really cares about are Haqqani network and Lashkar Tayba, because those are the two groups which have killed Americans. There is no mention of any other group or Dawood Ibrahim, which will probably not sit well with the Indian audience.

Zahid | 9 years ago | Reply Just photo session

Charles | 9 years ago | Reply Do More!

vinsin | 9 years ago | Reply @zafar: United States obligated nearly $75 billion to Pakistan between 1948 and 2014 which is close to 30% of Pakistan economy. Add Green revolution and it will jump to 45% of GDP. Return those amount, if USA is not your friend.

curious2 | 9 years ago | Reply Good meeting even if nothing major came out of it. Wasn't that long ago when Obama refused to take even a phone call from Zardari. There is a long line of Heads of State trying to get an invite to see Obama (averages 50 a year) so a face to face meeting is a positive sign that relationships are improving.

Tom | 9 years ago | Reply Why are you pakistanis hype everything when your prime minister visits the US or China or Russia or any other place?. There was going to be Civilian Nuke deal, defence deals, investment deals, acceptance of your nuke bums,admittance to NSG and your importance in Afghanistan etc. etc...... Kashmir,Dossiers and criminal trial of India, ha ha ha..Have you read the joint statement. It really makes me laugh and cry at the same time.

zafar | 9 years ago | Reply Nothing concrete will come out of it. The main purpose of US inviting Nawaz was to limit nuclear weapons development to which Pakistan will not agree and Pakistan asking US to play role in resolving Kashmir issue to which US will not agree. US is not genuine friend of Pakistan, has never been and will never be. Video conference session would have been much better to save huge amount of tax payer money spent on this trip.

soothla | 9 years ago | Reply

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Both leaders also discussed the continuing threat of nuclear terrorism amid concerns over the safety of Pakistan's existing nuclear arsenal as well as the pace at which such weapons are being produced.

The joint statement did not mention whether the two countries will sign a civil nuclear deal, similar to the one the US has with India. The statement added that Obama welcomed Pakistan's "constructive engagement with the Nuclear Security Summit process and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international forums.

Karachiabad | 9 years ago | Reply His current visit is better than his previous one.

ahmed wani | 9 years ago | Reply Terrorism,Afghanistan,Kashmir(which u cant take from India)...I mean as a irrational person i just want to ask what has pakistan achieved with this meeting...It seems like a waste of tax payer money...Has Mr. Nawaz met any high profile businessman or delegate to set up some tech factories or manufacturing factories in paksitan....or send more student to US for education...or US contributing something in infrastructure or training pakistani or helping in skill development...There's a saying by chanakya and some great Marwaris and Gujarati's in India...Dont waste your time where u dont gain something,instead use that time to gain something more.......

Sodomite | 9 years ago | Reply Nothing achieved except a photo op.

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