WASHINGTON: The US Secretary of State John Kerry has lauded Pakistan’s efforts for bringing peace and stability to the region.
In his address at a news conference along with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in Washington, Kerry said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif are making real efforts to combat the menace.
Kerry said that the United States will continue cooperation with Pakistan in countering terrorism and building economy.
In his remarks, the interior minister said that there have been ups and downs in Pakistan-US relations but over the last few months, there has been a huge quantum leap in the level of confidence and trust.
Nisar said that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have improved significantly and both the countries are closely cooperating in the war on terrorism.
Earlier, during a meeting between the US secretary of state and the interior minister, they discussed matters relating to bilateral relations with particular focus on the peace and security situation in the region.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the pace of bilateral cooperation between the two countries under the strategic dialogue process.
Kerry expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and extremism, and commended its resolve and the steps being taken to tackle terrorism in a comprehensive manner. He also lauded the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s initiatives for regional peace and development.
Both sides recognized the need for the United States and Pakistan to closely coordinate and cooperate with each other and with Afghanistan to ensure peace and stability in that country.
