ISLAMABAD – The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of South and CentralAsian Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ambassador Alice hasarrived in Islamabad on an unannounced visit, media reports havesuggested.

She will hold crucial meetings with the top leadership of Pakistan.

Earlier Wells visited Islamabad January 15-16.

In her meetings with Pakistani officials, Ambassador Wells underlined thatthe United States seeks to move toward a new relationship with Pakistan,based on our mutual interest in realizing a stable and prosperous region.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s considerable sacrifices fighting terrorism,Ambassador Wells emphasized that the U.S. South Asia strategy represents anopportunity to work together for the establishment of a stable, peacefulAfghanistan, the defeat of ISIS in South Asia, and the elimination ofterrorist groups that threaten both Pakistan and the United States.

Ambassador Wells urged the government of Pakistan to address the continuingpresence of the Haqqani network and other terrorist groups within itsterritory.