Summary John Kerry underlined the vitality of Pakistan-US relations.
WASHINGTON (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday met U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
“Secretary Kerry’s meeting with the PM (Sharif) is their third in three months, and continued the robust dialogue on our shared goal of a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan,” a statement issued by the State Department said.
The Prime Minister is in Washington on a four-day official visit to the U.S., and is scheduled to meet President Barack Obama on October 23.
He is accompanied by a high-powered delegation that includes Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani.
Monday’s discussions covered a broad range of domestic and regional issues including peace and security, counter-terrorism cooperation, collaboration on Pakistan’s energy sector, increasing bilateral trade and investment and the common interest of a secure, stable Afghanistan, it said.
“Both sides agreed on the importance of our continued counterterrorism cooperation, and that extremism is countered in part by opportunities arising from greater economic stability.
“To that end, the U.S., Pakistan’s largest trading partner, remains committed to an economic relationship increasingly based on trade and investment,” the statement said.
Earlier‚ on his arrival at the Joint Base Andrews‚ Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was offered a red-carpet welcome. He was greeted by US Acting Chief of the Protocol‚ US Ambassador to Pakistan‚ Richard Olson and other senior officials.
In his meeting with President Barack Obama‚ Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will stress an end to the US drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas.
He will also express Pakistan s views on Afghan security situation beyond 2014‚ after withdrawal of foreign troops.
The Prime Minister will also interact with senior US administration officials and Congressional leaders.
Nawaz Sharif will also reach out to American entrepreneur in a meeting with US-Pakistan Business Council with a message of facilitation for foreign investment in the energy and other potential sectors.
He will address US Institute of Peace and spell out his government s policy on dealing with challenges facing the country.
The Prime Minister s delegation includes Finance Minister Ishaq Dar‚ National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz‚ Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Secretary Foreign Affairs Jalil Abbas Jilani.
