US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Thomas Nides called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at Prime Minister’s House. Prime Minister Gilani emphasized that the ongoing Parliamentary review process offers an unprecedented opportunity to bring transparency and credibility to the rules of engagement with the USA, NATO and ISAF. It must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister further stated that Pakistan would like to build bilateral relations with USA based on mutual respect and mutual interest. “We can achieve our objective, peace and stability in region, and Afghan reconciliation through greater cooperation and on the basis of mutual trust”, the Prime Minister maintained.
Mr. Thomas Nides, Deputy Secretary of State underscored that US fully respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized on the importance that USA government attaches to its relationship with Pakistan.
He said that US recognised Pakistan’s role as an important country within the region. He further stated that US was looking forward to re- engage with Pakistan after the ongoing Parliamentary review process was concluded.
Deputy Secretary of State was accompanied by Mr. Cameron Munter, Ambassador of USA to Pakistan, Dr. Peter lavoy, Asstt Secretary of Defence, Mr. Daniel Feldman, Dy Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Ms. Hina Rabbani khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, and Minister for Finance, Senator Sughra Imam, Mr. Jalil Abbas jillani, Foreign Secretary, Ms.Sherry Rehman, Pakistan Ambassador to USA and other high officials attended the meeting.
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