Pak-US strategic dialogue to resume on Monday

Eurasia News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States will resume ministerial-level strategic dialogue in Washington on Monday, which provides a framework for discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest and focus on enhancing cooperation on issues of mutual concern.

The advisor to the prime minister on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz will lead high level Pakistani delegation while the US side will be led by its Secretary of State John Kerry in the ministerial level talks.

The strategic dialogue will review the progress achieved in the five Working Groups and discuss concrete proposals and opportunities for partnership in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation including strategic stability‚ defense‚ energy‚ economic growth‚ law-enforcement and counter-terrorism.

The ministerial level meeting will also afford an opportunity to highlight the priorities of the government of Pakistan for economic development‚ including expansion of trade and investment.

In a statement in Washington, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said that Washington has described upcoming Pakistan-US dialogue as re-energised phase for sustainable bilateral partnership.

Psaki said that the strategic dialogue would identify opportunities for increased Pakistan-US partnership in important areas like law enforcement and counter-terrorism.