Summary Pakistan can count on US support in rooting out terrorism: Kerry
Dunya News Report (Madiha Fareed)
In his opening remarks on the occasion of 6th ministerial-level meeting between United States and Pakistan, United States’ Secretary of State John Kerry admired the resilience of Pakistani nation and assured that United States will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan people in their brave fight against terrorism.
He said that US and Pakistan share strong bilateral and enduring relation that are based not only on mutual respect but also mutual interests.
He categorically stated that United States condemns the assault on Bacha Khan University, saying that by attacking soft targets like BKU and Army Public School, the terrorists want to deprive people of the knowledge and want to halt Pakistan’s future before it even begins. He added that re-opening of both the institutions is a proof that Pakistani people strongly condemn such elements.
“Pakistani have made it clear that they’ll be not intimidated or denied the right to build the future of their own design and to sustain it for generations to come, and in that effort they can absolutely count on the support of US”, Kerry added
He also shed light on the complicated relation of Pakistan and US ties saying that the bilateral relations have sometimes been strained but have always recovered because the public of both countries share a fundamental desire for stability, peace and support for regional and global economic dialogue, and those shared interests led both countries to reinvigorate the strategic dialogue, with a focus not only on mutual security but also on strengthening democratic institutions and fostering long-term economic growth.
“Our nations are committed to combating terrorism wherever it is and whenever it endangers the lives of innocent families and communities. As long as that threat remains, protecting our people is going to be at the top of our agenda” Kerry said.
He stressed that both countries should move forward to build a multi-faceted relationship to work together on a range of shared priorities including trade, investment, energy, education, law enforcement and regional stability.
Recalling the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill that was aimed at lasting cooperation between US and Pakistan and for which he was primarily responsible for sponsoring. Secretary Kerry reiterated that expanding and deepening relationship with Pakistan has been a personal commitment of his. The Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill was aimed at taking the bilateral relation beyond security interests, and enhance cooperation between citizens, universities and governments, because “that’s what friends do”, added Kerry.
He announced a plan that is focused on expanding trade with Pakistan over five years in a way that will help make Pakistani markets more attractive to foreign investors. And as one aspect of that, US aim to be partnering with the Pakistani Government to expand women’s participation in the workplace.
Stressing the need of cooperation along Pakistan’s borders, He added that Pakistan deserves praise for Reconciliation in Afghanistan and that cooperation along Pakistan’s borders is absolutely essential for both countries.
John Kerry commended Pakistan Army’s “Extraordinary and real sacrifices” to defeat terrorists in the north region that Pakistan’s army’s made especially in operation Zarb-e-Azb. He also congratulated Pakistan government’s commitment to implement National Action Plan (NAP) saying that it has helped eliminate the ability of militants groups to recruit members. He announced that United States has pledged 250 million dollars to rebuild communities affected by the military operations. He also welcomed Pakistan’s policy to not discriminate among terror groups. He also added that groups like Haqqani Network Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad see to undermine Pakistan’s effort to foster string relations with its neighbors, adding that such groups steal sovereignty of a nation.
Ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit to be held from March 31- April 1 in Washington, John Kerry said that Non-proliferation is an obvious concern of both the countries and that the both countries will continue obligations of being responsible state with nuclear weapons in the coming years
He recalled that once United States and Soviet Union had 5000 nuclear warheads pointing at each other, and it took two presidents (Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev) to realize that it did not make sense and then both countries worked under a cooperation treaty to reduce the number of warheads to 1500.
He urged that and it is important for Pakistan also to “process that reality” and put that front and centre in its policy, adding that US is looking forward to PM Nawaz Sharif’s participation at the Nuclear Summit next month.
He assured that US will continue to help Pakistan overcome its energy crisis, adding that it has already helped add 1750 Mega Watts (MW) to the country’s electric grid which is benefitting 26 million Pakistanis. He added that US is committed to enhance cooperation with Pakistan to make its Energy Sector more market based, power supply more marketable a stable and sustainable He added that clean energy partnership 3000 MW from clean energy sources.
With great enthusiasm, he added that most crucial area of co-operation between US and Pakistan is Education, Science and Technology. He said “Our universities are collaborating on research and curriculum development. Countries’ experts are working together at the Centers for Advanced Studies to spur innovation in water, in agriculture, and other sectors”. He announced that US is doubling the joint funding for high-level Research and Development.
He also took the occasion to congratulate Pakistan on the Oscar win for the documentary “A Girl I the river” which highlights the menace of Honor Killings in Pakistan and commended Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s pledge to change the laws that allow such practices
Lastly, referring to a Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s statement “A close and enduring partnership between Pak and US is a strategic imperative for achieving lasting peace and stability in our region and beyond” Secretary Kerry added that the bilateral relations must move forward in that spirit.
Earlier this month, the Obama administration formally announced it would go ahead with the USD 700 million arms deal with Pakistan. US Secretary of State John Kerry last week sent his department’s annual budget to Congress, proposing a financial assistance of $859.8m for Pakistan, which includes $265m for military hardware. This indicates that Pakistan will have to bear most of the costs for the deal which include buying eight nuclear-capable F-16 fighter jets reportedly worth nearly $700 million.
