Summary Both the leaders underscored need for building trust to foster an enduring strategic partnership.
WASHINGTON (Web Desk) – Pakistan is ready to work for transforming bilateral ties with US into a true partnership, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and US Secretary of State John Kerry said at the beginning of the Strategic Dialogue on Monday.
Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is leading Pakistan s delegation while the US side is being headed by Secretary of State John Kerry. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is also part of Pakistani delegation.
In his opening remarks‚ John Kerry said the United States is committed to strengthen and deepen relationship with Pakistan. He said US wants to further increase cooperation with Pakistan in economic and security fields.
He said building stronger ties with the people of Pakistan is his personal commitment.
John Kerry said strategic dialogue is the latest indication of common commitment to recognise importance of the strength and vitality of our security relationship. He said his country will cooperate to make Pakistan ‘Asian tiger’.
He said the United States helped to build and renovate 600 schools in Pakistan and provided scholarships to 12‚000 students in different universities.
In his remarks‚ Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said a new era of Pak-US relationship has started after the transition of democratic government in Pakistan.
He appreciated US Secretary of State John Kerry s role in promoting Pak-US relations. He expressed the hope that the dialogue would enable both the sides to review status of implementation of decisions taken at summit level and working-groups level and provide direction for the future.
He said the government is committed to face the economic and energy related challenges faced by the country. He said the government is determined to turn around the economy and overcome energy crisis. He said during the last six months‚ economy showed improvement.
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan is involved in efforts to bring peace in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan supports Afghan-led and Afghan-owned initiative for bringing peace in Afghanistan.
He demanded that United States should make possible access of Pakistani products to its markets as was done by the European Union. The Advisor said Kashmir dispute has a key status in resolution of issues between Pakistan and India.
