ISLAMABAD – The United States does not oppose Pakistan’s ‘outreach in theneighbourhood’ on the Afghanistan issue and the regional peace, officialssaid on Monday.
Senior officials at the foreign ministry have revealed that Washingtonsupported Pakistan’s active role on the Afghanistan issue.
“Our contacts have been positive. The US is happy that we are consultingthe neighbours on the Afghanistan issue,” said one official.
He said the visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to the regionalcountries is being taken ‘positively’ by the US.
Qureshi, accompanied by the Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and seniorofficials of the foreign ministry, left for a four-nation tour yesterday aspart of the government’s policy of “outreach in the neighbourhood.” He hasalready held talks with Afghanistan and Iran leaders while meetings withChinese and Russian counterparts are scheduled in the coming days.
“During the visit, Foreign Minister will discuss Pakistan’s bilateralrelations with the senior leadership of these countries, to strengthencooperation in various areas,” a foreign ministry statement had said.
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Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammed Faisal said Pakistan andAfghanistan had deliberated steps taken for normalcy in Afghanistan.
He added: “Issues of mutual interest, progress on Afghan peace andreconciliation process and economic and trade issues between the twocountries discussed.”
Pakistan and the US are working jointly to placate the Afghan Taliban forpeace in Afghanistan.
Another official said the US had sought Pakistan’s help for another roundof the talks with the Taliban in the coming weeks. “We are doing what wecan to facilitate such a dialogue,” he added.
