The
US Secretary of State Mr. Rex Tillerson accompanied by a high-level delegation
visited Islamabad on 24 October 2017. This
was Mr. Tillerson's first visit to Islamabad after assuming the office of
the US Secretary of State.
The
visit was a follow-up to the meeting between the Prime Minister and the US Vice
President Mike Pence in New York in September 2017 in which the two sides
agreed to resume full scale engagements between the two Governments. Pakistan's
delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Interior, Minister
of Defence, COAS, DG ISI, Secretary to Prime Minister and Foreign
Secretary.
The
Prime Minister underlined the importance of high level engagements between the
two countries and expressed satisfaction on the progress made during these
interactions in recent months. Prime Minister informed the visiting delegation
of the significant strides Pakistan had made in improving the overall security
and economic environment of the country resulting in significantly improved business
and investment opportunities available to foreign businesses and investors.
Talks
covered in detail all aspects of bilateral relations, the regional situation,
as well as the evolving international environment. Pakistan delegation outlined
the government's policy of a peaceful neighbourhood and steps taken to promote
cooperation and stability in Afghanistan and the region. The US delegation was
informed that progress in promoting peace and stability in the region was
linked to the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. The ongoing grave
violations of human rights by Indian occupation forces in Indian occupied Jammu
& Kashmir were highlighted. The delegation was apprised of the
tremendous sacrifices made by the Pakistan nation including security forces and
Law Enforcement Agencies in the war against terror. The fact that Pakistani
security forces have successfully carried out the largest counterterrorism
operation was detailed along with Pakistan's sustained commitment and interest
in supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as the broader region.
The delegation was also informed of the ongoing efforts on securing the
Pak-Afghan border out of national resources.
The
two sides agreed to build upon the understandings reached in the dialogue
process and to continue the pace and scope of high level engagements in future.
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