Adviser Aziz briefed NSA Rice on the advances made by Pakistan in improving the state of its economy, internal security and reaffirmed country’s firm commitment to peace and security in the region, said the FO is a statement.
On the occasion, Ambassador Rice appreciated the sacrifices made by the Pakistan military in its successful endeavors to confront the security challenges posed by terrorist elements.
Adviser Sartaz Aziz reiterated the importance of reconciliation process in Afghanistan, while reassuring that Pakistan would provide the necessary support for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led initiative in this regard. He also stated that improved management of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was key to the ultimate success in efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism in the region.
He also briefed NSA Rice on the recent positive developments concerning Pakistan’s relations with India.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz is currently
on an official visit to the United States and leading Pakistan’s delegation for participation in the Ministerial Review of Strategic Dialogue hosted by Secretary Kerry on Feb 29 at the State Department.During the meeting Adviser Aziz and NSA Rice noted with appreciation the important outcomes under the Six Working Groups of the Strategic Dialogue.
Adviser Aziz and NSA Rice reviewed the current state of Pak-U.S. bilateral relations and expressed confidence that strategic partnership between the two countries would further strengthen and deepen in various areas of cooperation.
While recognizing the significance of continued high-level engagements between the two countries, Dr. Rice looked forward to the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Washington DC at the end of March for participation in the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS).
Pakistan’s Ambassador to U.S., Jalil Abbas Jilani accompanied Adviser Aziz during the meeting.
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