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