US should share timely intelligence and Pakistan will take action itself: Asif
- By Web Desk -
- Nov 06, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Khawaja Asif says the United States should share timely intelligence and Pakistan will take action itself.
Pakistan`s effective counter-terrorism efforts have dismantled the surge of terrorist networks.
He was addressing the 4th Round of US-Pakistan Bilateral Dialogue held in Islamabad on Monday with the title ‘Convergence amid Divergence: Identifying Pathways to Cooperation in a Challenging Environment’.
The minister said intelligence sharing was imperative for improving border management in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister said with self-defence and self-interest as our first priority we are fully committed to protecting the sovereignty of our motherland. He said we will also not allow our soil to be used against any other country.
Khawaja Asif said in the era of challenging and complex international relations, states should focus on long-term partnerships and cooperation.
Read: US military solution failed in Afghanistan, says Pakistan’s foreign minister
He said with peace and stability in Afghanistan as our ultimate goal, we have been and are ready to extend every possible cooperation to achieve that end.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan has also reached out to other regional countries and regional fora like SAARC in its efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
Regarding US South Asia Policy and the role of India, Khawaja Asif said America has assured us that New Delhi’s role in Afghanistan will be limited to economic assistance only.
He said Pakistan welcomes mediation by the United States in easing its ties with India as Pakistan has always opted for comprehensive dialogue for a peaceful neighborhood.
He emphasized that SAARC should be activated and steps taken for promotion of regional trade as the region has long been suffering due to instability in Afghanistan.
Khawaja Asif said it is unfair to blame Pakistan for whatever ails Afghanistan have today as Pakistan has eliminated terrorism from its soil after great sacrifices and now there are no terrorist safe havens here.
Later talking to media, the Foreign Minister said differences in Pak-US bilateral relations are only misperceptions which are being put aside by continued dialogue.
He said the recent high-level exchanges between the two countries have cleared the air and we look forward to confidence building to achieve the goal of peace in the region.