Special Assistant to US President, Sartaj Aziz discuss Pak-US ties, regional situation

Dr. Peter Lavoy was accompanied by the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Ms. Rose Gottemoeller and Ambassador Richard Olson. The meeting was focused on recent political and security developments in Afghanistan, Pakistan-India relations and Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation.

While appreciating the upward trajectory in Pakistan-US relations, Mr Aziz emphasized on the need to upgrade this bilateral relationship to a new strategic level.

The Adviser highlighted the counter-terrorism efforts and progress made by Pakistan in strengthening democratic institutions. He underlined Pakistan’s strong commitment to the policy of non-interference and peaceful neighborhood in the region.

On the recent security developments in Afghanistan, Sartaj Aziz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to support and facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Dr. Peter Lavoy underscored that the US wanted to further strengthen and broaden Pakistan-US relations. He appreciated Pakistan’s successful operation to root out terrorism and extremism from the country.

He recognized Pakistan’s efforts and facilitation role in the Afghan reconciliation process and expressed the US desire to have stronger relations between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.