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Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte calls on Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Kasuri underlined the importance Pakistan attached to the strategic relationship with the United States. He highlighted expanding cooperation in diverse fields and affirmed Pakistan's commitment to further deepen cooperation in all areas of common interest. The Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for the Administration's efforts in moving the various Pakistan-related initiatives forward in the U.S. Congress and support for the FATA Sustainable Development Plan and the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs). Deputy Secretary Negroponte stated that the U.S. viewed Pakistan-U.S. ties as a vital relationship and was committed to its further strengthening and expansion. He also underlined U.S. interest in deepening Pakistan-U.S. strategic dialogue. Foreign Minister Kasuri reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to fight extremism and terrorism and highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen security by improving controls along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He underlined the importance of an effective Pakistan-U.S. counter-terrorism cooperation. Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte expressed U.S. appreciation for Pakistan's contribution to counter-terrorism and efforts for the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister apprised the Deputy Secretary of developments in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations as well as the jirga process. He also briefed Mr. Negroponte on his meeting with the Afghan Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the G-8 meeting in Potsdam on 30 May 2007. Mr. Negroponte expressed U.S. support for such efforts. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. This is his first visit to Islamabad since assuming the position of Deputy Secretary of State in February 2007.
Islamabad June 15, 2007 |
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The visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. John D. Negroponte, met with Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri at the Foreign Office. Pakistan-U.S. relations, counter-terrorism cooperation, and Afghanistan were discussed.