Stalemate shrouding Pak-US ties has thawed: FM
He was addressing a presser here in Islamabad today.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday stated US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has invited him to Washington.
He was addressing a presser here in Islamabad today.
“US has thoroughly revisited its [AfPak] policy all over again and signaled rapprochement in the bilateral ties. Pak-US will move closer once again”, forecasted Qureshi while adding, “We will also review our [regional] policies”.
Qureshi dispelled news of ‘do more’ mantra being rehashed by Pompeo and stated he apprised latter ‘blame game is in no one’s interest’. He claimed the stalemate shrouding Pak-US ties has ended today.
He went on to say there was no talk on halting Coalition Support Fund. “Civilian and military top brass is on the same page. No country has rendered more sacrifices in WoT”, added Qureshi.
Qureshi said that working together is in the best interest of both the countries. "We have been allies, and we have had tensions," he said. "But our history shows when we have worked together, it has been in the best interest of both countries. We did this when we worked together to decimate Al Qaeda."
“Pakistan informed US that peace on eastern front is vital for paying attention on the western front”, stated Qureshi.
The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire and commitment for peace in neighboring Afghanistan at times when Taliban are launching massive offensive throughout war-torn country.
“US fathomed solution to Afghan quagmire is only political. I will pay my first visit to Afghanistan whereas Islamabad will play constructive role for peace in Afghanistan”, stated Qureshi.
The shift in tone comes days after Washington confirmed plans to cancel $300 million in military aid, and was echoed by Khan, who voiced his optimism at a fresh start in the long-rocky ties between the wayward allies.
Earlier, The US delegation led by Mike Pompeo met Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed matters pertaining to Pakistan-US relations and security situation of the region. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other officials werte also present in meeting.
Maters related to situation in Afghanistan and Afghan peace talks also came under discussion, while war on terror and Pakistan’s role were also discussed.
The US secretary of state also felicitated PM Imran Khan on assuming office and his party’s thumping victory in general elections.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices in the war on terrorism.
Aftre the meeting, Pompeo left for India where he will be joined by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to meet with their Indian counterparts on a range of key defense and trade issues.
