ISLAMABAD – Pakistan US ties seem to be coming back to track after rhetoricfrom both sides created a war like scenario in both capitals. The stalematebroke as Pentagon and GHQ contacts and backdoor diplomacy beyond the mediaglare occurred as was hinted by the Foreign Office spokesperson.
In followup to the broad understanding reached between two militaries nowthe diplomats have accelerated the contacts.
US Acting Assistant Secretary of state Lisa Curtis arrived in Islamabadtoday to discuss the bilateral ties with her Pakistani counterparts.
The United States has expressed desire to work with Pakistan in furtheringthe shared objectives of stabilizing Afghanistan.The desire was conveyed by US Acting Assistant Secretary of State AliceWells while talking to Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in Islamabad onMonday.
The US Acting Assistant Secretary of State said as an immediate neighborand important country of the region, Pakistan’s support is critical to thesuccess of the US strategy for Afghanistan.
She underlined the need for strengthening intelligence cooperation betweenthe two sides to improve coordination in counter-terrorism efforts.
Ambassador Alice Wells also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in eradicatingterrorism.
Tehmina Janjua underscored that Pakistan-US relationship need to moveforward under an environment of mutual trust and respect.
The US delegation was apprised about recent counter-terrorism actions takenby Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies that contributed to visibleimprovement in the security situation of Pakistan.
It was mentioned that these comprehensive counter-terrorism actions willalso contribute towards peace and stability in the entire region.
In the context of the regional situation, the Foreign Secretary expressedconcerns on the continued use of Afghan soil by elements hostile toPakistan’s stability.
She said that strengthening border management mechanisms between Pakistanand Afghanistan are vital to addressing concerns relating to cross bordermovements.
She emphasized early repatriation of Afghan refugees is also important forimproving relations with Afghanistan.
The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue itsefforts for promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Foreign Secretary drew the attention of the US delegation to the recentirresponsible statement by the Indian Army Chief and the pattern ofescalation by India on the LoC and the working boundary and condemned theIndian use of IEDs resulting in the martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers lastnight. She asked the US side to advise restraint to India and stop itsescalation tactics.
The two sides agreed that all initiatives owned and led by the Afghans forseeking a peaceful solution should be supported by the regional countries.
The US Acting Assistant Secretary of State also called on Adviser onFinance Miftah Ismail in Islamabad on Monday, and discussed current stateof Pak-US ties with particular emphasis on economic cooperation.
The Advisor said relations between Pakistan and the United States have beenaffected by certain recent developments and it is important to remove themisperceptions.
He assured that the government will support for business community’sefforts aimed at furthering Pak-US economic ties.
Alice Wells said Pak -US relationship is important and the US would like tocarry it forward.
She lauded the reforms that Pakistan has undertaken in different economicspheres and expressed US support for similar reform efforts in future.