113
WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif apprised the US President Barack Obama about Pakistan’s resolve to take effective action against United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its affiliates.
The premier said that action against them will be taken as per international commitments and obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and the Financial Action Task Force.
President Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz agreed that improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, read the joint statement released by the Foreign Office.
Read: Full text of joint statement issued by President Obama, PM Nawaz Sharif
The two leaders expressed concern over violence along the Line of Control and noted their support for confidence-building measures and effective mechanisms that are acceptable to both parties.
The leaders emphasised the importance of a sustained dialogue process between the two nuclear-armed neighbours aimed at resolving all outstanding territorial and other disputes, including Kashmir, stated the joint statement.
President Obama and prime minister Nawaz Sharif also took note of the robust bilateral defense cooperation between their two countries, including recent military engagements, exercises, and consultations on regional security.
The leaders of the two countries expressed satisfaction with the cooperation achieved in defense relations and reaffirmed that this partnership should endure.
Nawaz Sharif conveyed appreciation for US security assistance in support of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism, counterinsurgency, counter-narcotics and maritime security operations.
President Obama also commended the gains made by the Pakistani armed forces during Operation Zarb-i-Azb and honoured the sacrifices rendered by them.
The two leaders reaffirmed that the defense consultative group mechanism has been critical in stimulating defense partnership and resolved to explore new avenues of enhancing defense collaboration.
Obama also lauded Pakistan for hosting and facilitating the first round of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in July 2015 and highlighted the opportunity presented by Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate a reconciliation process that would help end insurgent violence in Afghanistan.
Nawaz maintained that Pakistan’s territory will not be used against any other country and noted that this is an obligation of all countries in the region.
The joint statement released covers fifteen points:
- Economic Growth
- Trade
- Investment
- Civil Society Cooperation
- Education
- Climate Change
- Energy
- Promoting Global Health
- Regional Security
- Counter-terrorism
- Defence Cooperation
- Cybersecurity
- Strategic Stability
- Nuclear Security
- Non-proliferation
Earlier, Obama had welcomed Nawaz Sharif at the White House on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, the premier thanked the US president for his hospitality and inviting him to visit the United States.
He said that both the countries have a 70-year long relationship.
The US president said “Pakistani community is playing an important role in development and progress of the United States”.
He further added that the country has very strong relations with Pakistan.
Also read: Kashmir needs third party intervention, US most relevant: Nawaz
“United States wants to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in science and technology,” he added.
PM meets Vice President Joe Biden
Earlier, Nawaz held a breakfast meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden in Washington and discussed bilateral ties and matters of mutual interest.
The prime minister informed Joe Biden about his government's priorities and policies including economic reforms.
He said Pakistan has made remarkable economic progress in last two years.
Political matters security issues and regional situation and war on terror also came up for discussion.
The two leaders expressed the resolve to make efforts for peace and prosperity in the region.
They vowed to further strengthen Pak-US cooperation and agreed to carry forward the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
