ISLAMABAD, June 15: US Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte arrived here on Friday and held a 45-minute meeting with Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri at which an understanding was reached for early convening of the much-delayed second round of the Pakistan-US strategic dialogue.

A formal announcement about the understanding would be made shortly, sources told Dawn.

The visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher was present at the meeting held at the Foreign Office on Friday afternoon. The foreign minister and the US deputy secretary of state both reiterated their commitment to decisively carry forward the Pakistan-US strategic dialogue.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the talks focused on bilateral relations, counter-terrorism cooperation and Afghanistan. Sources privy to the meeting said there was no discussion on the internal political situation or the recent developments in the country.

Notably this is Mr Negroponte’s first visit to Pakistan since his assuming charge as the deputy secretary of state in February. He is scheduled to call on the president and the prime minister on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Kasuri during his talks with Mr Negroponte underlined the importance Pakistan attached to the strategic relationship with the United States, the Foreign Office statement said. “He highlighted expanding cooperation in diverse fields and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepen cooperation in all areas of common interest,” it said.

Echoing similar views, Mr Negroponte stated that the US viewed Pakistan-US ties as a vital relationship and was committed to its further strengthening and expansion. He also underlined the US interest in deepening Pakistan-US strategic dialogue.

Mr Kasuri expressed appreciation for the Bush administration’s efforts in moving various Pakistan-related initiatives forward in the US Congress and support for the Fata Sustainable Development Plan and the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to fight extremism.