US Deputy Secretary of State, John D Negroponte on Friday said that the United States viewed Pakistan-US ties as a vital relationship and was committed to further strengthening it. John Negroponte, who is on a visit to Pakistan, met with Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri here at the Foreign Office on Friday afternoon.
During the meeting Pakistan-US relations, counter-terrorism co-operation, and Afghanistan were discussed. The US Deputy Secretary of State also underlined the US interest in deepening Pakistan-US strategic dialogue, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
Foreign Minister Kasuri underlined the importance Pakistan attached to the strategic relationship with the United States. He highlighted expanding co-operation in diverse fields and affirmed Pakistan's commitment to further deepen co-operation in all areas of common interest.
The Foreign Minister also appreciated for the Administration's efforts in moving the various Pakistan-related initiatives forward in the US Congress and support for the FATA Sustainable Development Plan and the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs). Kasuri reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to fight extremism and terrorism and highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen security by improving controls along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
He underlined the importance of an effective Pakistan-US counter-terrorism co-operation. Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte expressed US appreciation for Pakistan's contribution to counter-terrorism and efforts for the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The foreign minister apprised the Deputy Secretary of developments in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations as well as the Jirga process.
He also briefed Negroponte on his meeting with the Afghan Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the G-8 meeting in Potsdam on May 30. Negroponte expressed the US support for such efforts. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. This is his first visit to Islamabad since assuming the position of Deputy Secretary of State in February 2007.
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