Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan was looking forward to forging a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the US and to working with the new US Administration, to promote peace and security in the region and beyond.He was talking to the US National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R McMaster in Islamabad. The visit marks the first visit of new US administration to Pakistan.The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful neighbourhood and apprised the US National Security Advisor of the steps taken by Pakistan to reach out to both India and Afghanistan.Mian Nawaz Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to work with the international community to explore ways in which the Afghan crisis can be resolved.On relations with India, the Prime Minister reiterated his firm conviction on sustained dialogue and meaningful engagement as the only way forward to resolve all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan including the Kashmir dispute.He welcomed President Trump’s willingness to help India and Pakistan resolve their differences particularly on Kashmir and noted that this could go a long way in bringing sustainable peace, security and prosperity to the region.The Prime Minister also apprised him of the efforts and initiatives of his Government, which have resulted in a marked improvement in the overall security situation, while also paving way for an economic turnaround in the country. He emphasized that the developments, which fully captured the spirit of “new Pakistan” were being widely acknowledged and appreciated by the international community.Mc Master assured the Prime Minister that the new Administration was committed to strengthening bilateral relations and working with Pakistan, to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the wider South Asian region.Also talking to Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, Mc Master reaffirmed Trump administration’s commitment to work closely with Pakistan in strengthening mutually beneficial relations and towards the shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.Conveying Pakistan’s concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, the Adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with the international community to support efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. The Adviser also highlighted the importance of effective border management as part of the actions required to achieve sustainable peace in the region.The Pakistan side also shared its perspective on the plight of Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the status of relations with India. In reiterating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a peaceful neighbourhood and commitment to dialogue and engagement, the Adviser appraised the visiting delegation of the steps taken by Pakistan to reach out to both India and Afghanistan. Given the chequered history of Pakistan-US relations and the recent shift in each other’s strategic outlook this American visit is extremely critical for both the Islamabad and Pakistan. The US still is a superpower with its economic, military and epistemic superiority over China, Russia and Europe. Pakistan-India relations are at an all-time low these days. Kashmir is burning with Indian atrocities on the rise. Pakistan ought to open up all channels of communication and diplomacy with the US and work in tandem to eliminate terrorism. It is in the interest of both countries to join hand with each other for mutual benefits.
