US National Security Adviser Susan Rice appreciated on Sunday the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the efforts to root out terrorism and the success achieved so far.
During her meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad today, Rice also appreciated the premier’s vision for a peaceful neighbourhood.
“Rice underscored the importance of strong Pakistan-US relations. She noted the positive direction of ongoing cooperation between the two countries especially in the areas of defence, economy and energy sectors,” according to the PM House.
The meeting between the US national security adviser and the premier focused on matters of bilateral interest and the future of Pakistan-US relations.
The premier said that the United States is an important partner of Pakistan in all areas especially economy, defence and counter-terrorism. “Pakistan sees its relations with the US as a partnership which is in the interest of the two countries, the region and the world.”
Further, PM Nawaz said he is looking forward to his visit to the US in October this year as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries.
Rice was accompanied by US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Senior Director for South Asian Affairs at the US National Security Council Dr Peter Lavoy. Further, Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary also participated in the meeting.
The US national security adviser’s visit to Islamabad comes as Pakistan and India trade barbs and bullets.
During what should be a day-long visit, Rice will interact with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership on regional issues.
According to reports, after meeting the premier, Rice will meet Army Chief General Raheel Sharif as well.
Although the reason for Rice’s visit is unclear, it is speculated that growing tensions between Pakistan and India will likely be an area of focus. The US has expressed concern over the recent skirmishes along the Line of Control and the working boundary. Washington has also voiced disappointment over the cancellation of proposed talks between the national security advisers of Pakistan and India and urged the two neighbours to resume dialogue.
The prevailing regional situation, particularly efforts to restore peace in Afghanistan, is also likely to be discussed.
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership on Friday assailed Indian forces for flouting all international norms and targeting the country’s civilian population as the two neighbours exchanged the deadliest fire in recent months along the border.
While the Foreign Office summoned India’s high commissioner to register a strong protest over the unprovoked Indian firing, army chief General Raheel Sharif condemned New Delhi for ‘crossing all limits to terrorise Pakistan’s civilian population’ without any regard to all international conventions and norms.
Cross-border firing killed at least nine people on Friday, the day India marked the 50th anniversary of a war between the two nations.
Last week, the scheduled talks between national security advisers of both countries were called off just hours before Sartaj Aziz was set to fly to New Delhi.
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