Khaqan conveys reservations, NSC decisions over revised US regional policy
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday met United States Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York and conveyed Pakistan’s concerns over the US’ revised policy in the region.
The two leaders held discussions in a cordial atmosphere and Pakistani Permanent Representative at the UN Maleeha Lodhi termed it as an ice breaker.
Abbasi’s meeting with VP Pence is the highest contact between the two sides since the President Trump announced the South Asia policy on Aug 21. Pakistan had after the policy announcement postponed the then planned bilateral interactions.
Both sides discussed issues relating to bilateral relationship as well as peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s concerns with regard to the US strategy for South Asia.
Both sides agreed to work together to carry forward the relationship which has been a historic partnership for the last seven decades. It was agreed that the two countries would stay engaged with a constructive approach to achieve shared objectives of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the region.
The prime minister informed Pence of the decisions reached in the National Security Committee meeting over the policy.
The two also held discussions on improving bilateral relations, after over a month of tension between the two countries after US President Trump blamed Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists in a speech in August.
Foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi later in a media briefing said that the meeting helped end the stalemate between the two countries. The US also wants to continue holding talks and a US delegation will visit Pakistan in October, the officials added. She said the meeting with Vice President was held at the desire of the United States.
Dr Maleeha Lodhi said the prime minister also met British Prime Minister Theresa May, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Dr Maleeha described the meetings as positive. She said meeting with Afghan president could not be held due to shortage of time.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Abbasi and President Rouhani held discussions on the Afghan issue and agreed on a strategy to resolve the conflict. The two also vowed to promote trade and improve relations between two countries.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President Erdogan agreed upon the revival of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Turkey Trilateral process for promoting lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Both leaders agreed that efforts should continue for a regional approach for an internal political settlement in Afghanistan through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.
Discussing the plight of Rohingya Muslims, President Erdogan and Prime Minister Abbasi urged the international community and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take urgent measures to alleviate the suffering of these people.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka reiterated the deep and historic relations between the two countries. It was decided to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was also agreed that both the countries would continue to cooperate at all multilateral forums in the spirit of neighborhood and longstanding relationships which were rooted in history.
The President thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s consistent support to Sri Lanka during challenging times when Sri Lanka was facing wave of terror, and during natural disasters.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that Pakistan considers Sri Lanka a very important country and attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Abbasi extended an invitation to the Sri Lankan President to visit Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbadi met King Abdullah -II of Jordan during which both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in multifaceted areas including political, economic and defence fields. They also expressed satisfaction over the commonality of views between the two countries on issues of regional and global significance. Importance of regular bilateral engagements was also reteirated to achieve shared objectives.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also extended an invitation to King Abdullah-II to visit Pakistan.
INP
