December 14, 2002	Saturday	Shawwal 9, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 13: United States Secretary of State Colin Powell on Thursday invited Foreign Minister Mian Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri to Washington and congratulated him on assumption of the office.

The foreign minister accepted the invitation, extended during a telephone call by the secretary of state, said a statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry on Friday.

Powell and Kasuri expressed their “firm commitment to a structured, long-term relationship with growing cooperation in diverse fields and agreed to remain in regular touch,” the statement said.

Kasuri briefed Powell on the latest developments in the region, particularly the postponement of the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and its reasons.

The foreign minister drew the attention of the secretary of state to the Kashmir issue, underscoring the country’s position that it wanted to engage India in a meaningful dialogue to address all outstanding questions, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

He assured his US counterpart about the government’s commitment to fulfil its obligations to the international community in the fight against terrorism and reiterated its stance of continuing with the policies initiated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Powell appreciated Pakistan’s contribution to the campaign against terrorism.

Dates for the minister’s visit would be worked out through diplomatic channels, the statement said.