WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed bilateral relations and the regional security situation in three-hour long meeting held in cordial atmosphere in Washington, officials said.
Earlier, on his arrival at the Andrew Airbase as the prime minister was on his first visit to the United State since assuming the office, he was offered a red-carpet welcome. He was greeted by US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and other senior officials.
The US Secretary of State welcomed the prime minister and underlined the vitality of Pakistan-US relations.
“We’re very anxious to have a series of high-level, important discussions over the course of the next few days – the Vice President, the President, tonight’s dinner. We have a lot to talk about and the relationship with Pakistan. On its own, a democracy that is working hard to get its economy moving and deal with insurgency and also important to the regional stability. So, we’re very happy to have you here, Mr. Prime Minister,” Kerry said.
The prime minster said he highlighted the issue of civilian casualties in US missile strikes and will stress an end to the strikes in tribal areas in his meeting with President Barack Obama.
The two high-ups also finalized Obama-Nawaz meeting’s agenda as PM Nawaz is scheduled to interact with senior US administration officials, Congressional leaders and Pakistani-American community.