ISLAMABAD: A delegation of US Senators met Pakistani leaders on Monday and discussed with them bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

Angus King, member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, and Tim Kaine, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz and Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif.

The US Senators had earlier travelled to India and Afghanistan.

Tensions on the Line of Control (LoC), Zarb-i-Azb military operation in North Waziristan, the government’s efforts for economic revival and bilateral ties were discussed during the meetings.

The civil and the military leadership used the Senators’ visit to explain their position on key issues.

The prime minister called for enhanced access for Pakistani products to US markets and said his government was focussing on an increase in exports.

He underscored the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India for normalisation of ties and called for resolution of the Kashmir issue on the basis of United Nations’ resolutions.

He said the only acceptable solution of Kashmir (dispute) would be the one which was endorsed by Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri people.

In his meeting with the US Senators, Sartaj Aziz highlighted the government’s approach of seeking peace in the neighbourhood and expressed concern at the security situation along the LoC.

Senators Tim Kaine and Agnus King met the chief of army staff at the General Headquarters.

“Matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting with particular emphasis on defence and security cooperation and overall security situation in the region,” the Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2014