ISLAMABAD (PR): Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral partnership in a broad range of areas including energy, finance, economy and defence, says a press release received here Saturday.
The agreement came when Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Mr. William J. Burns, US Deputy Secretary of State in Washington Thursday. Ambassador of Pakistan to the US,. Jalil Abbas Jilani, accompanied the Finance Minister while Deputy Secretary Burns was assisted by Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman and other officials of the Department of State.
Recognizing the constructive role of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue in strengthening bilateral partnership, both sides Reaffirmed the shared interests in further promoting educational and research opportunities for Pakistani students, scholars, and researchers in the US institutions, the two sides recognized the need to establish a Working Group on Science, Technology and Education under the framework of Strategic Dialogue process.
During the meeting Deputy Secretary Burns commended the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to bring stability and growth in the economy. He underscored the mutual interest in addressing common challenges and praised Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts manifested through its latest operation in NWA. He also appreciated the positive role and contributions made by Pakistan in facilitating a peaceful and smooth transition in Afghanistan. He reaffirmed continued US support to Pakistan, especially in the economy and energy sectors.
Ishaq Dar conveyed Pakistan’s deep concern over the continued unprovoked violations of the working boundary by the Indian security forces resulting in the deaths of civilians. He apprised the US side of the restraint shown by Pakistan and expressed the hope that the international community would encourage India to also exercise restraint.
Finance Minister also apprised the US side of the efforts underway in Pakistan to rehabilitate the people and reconstruct the areas affected by recent floods and the security operations.
Senator Ishaq Dar stressed the need for a strong, durable and mutually beneficial economic relationship between Pakistan and the US. He also expressed satisfaction over the improved coordination and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the energy sector. He thanked the US for the continued economic assistance and support that had played an important role in helping Pakistan in realizing its economic goals and priorities. In this regard, Finance Minister also highlighted the need for exploring ways in which Pakistan could secure greater access to the US markets.