Dobbins, Sartaj Aziz discuss Afghanistan, bilateral issues

Published December 4, 2013
Adviser to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz having a meeting with US Special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins in Islamabad on Tuesday. – Photo by Online
Adviser to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz having a meeting with US Special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins in Islamabad on Tuesday. – Photo by Online

ISLAMABAD: US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins called on Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday and discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest.

Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani was also present in the meeting. Dobbins was accompanied by US Ambassador Richard Olson.

In the context of Afghanistan, developments relating to the Afghan peace and reconciliation process and matters pertaining to 2014 and beyond were discussed.

The importance of accelerated progress in the Afghan reconciliation process was emphasised.

The adviser also raised with Ambassador Dobbins the issue of drone attacks underscoring their counter-productive effect and reiterated the call to the US to review its policy which has a negative impact on the government's efforts to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region.

In regards with Pakistan-US relations, the adviser underlined the need for early convening of US-Pakistan Working Groups on Law Enforcement and Counter Terrorism and Economy and Finance before the next round of Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue expected in March 2014.

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