ISLAMABAD, Nov 6: US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher, who is here for routine bilateral consultations called on Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri on Monday and also met foreign secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan.

All aspects of Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest figured in the discussions.

“In the context of bilateral relations, both sides shared the view that steady progress was being made in the implementation of the Joint Statement of March 4, 2006 on Pakistan-US Strategic Partnership,” a statement issued by the Foreign Minister’s Office said, adding: “It was agreed that due to these institutional frameworks the relationship was deepening and broadening in diverse fields.”

According to the statement both sides also exchanged views on counter-terrorism cooperation and Mr Kasuri reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to fight extremism and terrorism. They agreed that initiatives like Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and Fata development plan would reinforce efforts to address these challenges.

Mr Kasuri underlined Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He also apprised the Assistant Secretary Boucher of his recent conversation with the Afghan foreign minister.

Mr Boucher who is here on a two-day visit is scheduled to hold official talks at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday with Additional Secretary Shahid Kemal.—Q.A.