ISLAMABAD, Dec 3: The United States reassured Pakistan on Tuesday that working groups on economics and finance; and law-enforcement and counter-terrorism for the bilateral Strategic Dialogue would meet ahead of a ministerial meeting expected in March.

Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security told the visiting US Special Envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mr James Dobbins, that it was important to convene the working groups on law-enforcement and counter-terrorism; and economy and finance before the next round of ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue.

The special envoy was visiting Pakistan as part of his regular engagement with the Pakistani leaders on issues related to Afghanistan.

Mr Dobbins also met Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

A statement issued by the US Embassy noted that “the United States remains committed to fostering peace, security, and economic growth in the region.” It said: “Economics and finance and the law-enforcement and counter-terrorism working groups are expected to meet in the coming months, culminating in a Strategic Dialogue Ministerial meeting in early 2014.”

During Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Pakistan on August 1, Pakistan and the US had agreed to revive the stalled Strategic Dialogue. Five working groups — energy; defence; security, strategic stability, and non-proliferation; economics and finance; and law-enforcement and counter-terrorism were set up for the dialogue.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama had, during their White House meeting, endorsed the decision on resumption of Strategic Dialogue and agreed to a ministerial meeting in March next year.

Three working groups have met so far. The energy group met in Washington on Nov 12; the defence consultative group met in Washington on Nov 21-22, and the security, strategic stability, and non-proliferation working group met in Islamabad on Nov 21.

The meetings on economics and finance and law-enforcement and counter-terrorism have yet to be scheduled. A senior official at the Foreign Office said the two groups could not meet because of scheduling issues.

During the meeting with Mr Dobbins, Mr Aziz discussed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit to Kabul and other developments related to the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

“The importance of accelerated progress in the Afghan reconciliation process was emphasised,” Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry said.

Mr Aziz called for a review of the US policy on drone attacks in tribal areas and said it had a negative impact on the Pakistan government’s efforts to bring peace and stability.