Pakistan, US agree to resolve bilateral issues with dialogue

NEW YORK: Pakistan and the United States (US) have agreed to sort out differences souring their bilateral ties through dialogue.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The prime minister apprised US Vice President about decisions taken by the National Security Committee after President Donald Trump’s policy statement on Afghanistan and South Asia, according to foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, who briefed Pakistani media about the meeting.

She said the two sides also agreed to continue negotiations over the Afghanistan issue and a US delegation will visit Pakistan next month for this purpose.

US Vice President Mike Pence said that the United States attached great importance to Pakistan and wanted a long-term partnership with Islamabad for peace and security in the region.

Abbasi said Pakistan was part of international efforts to combat terrorism and it has paid a huge cost in this war. He reiterated the country’s resolve to continue its cooperation in the efforts to wipe out terrorism and address regional security issues.

Earlier, the prime minister met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two leaders emphasized on enhancing economic cooperation and working together for early finalization of the Free Trade Agreement for boosting the bilateral trade.

Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment for continued endeavors for strengthening of the mutually beneficial strategic partnership.

They agreed that there is no military solution of the Afghan conflict and the efforts should continue for a regional approach for an internal political settlement in Afghanistan through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.

Both the leaders agreed on the revival of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Turkey Trilateral process for promoting lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.