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Islamabad: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in talks with visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides on Wednesday discussed bilateral relations and regional situation with particular reference to peace in Afghanistan.
A strong and stable Pakistan is in the interest of entire region, said Nides adding that the US respects Pakistan’s sovereignty.
In a joint statement with Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, the US Deputy Secretary of State said Washington respects Pakistan’s sovereignty.
He said the completion of the parliamentary process in Pakistan offers an important opportunity to ensure enduring, strategic and clearly defined relationship between the two countries.
Moreover, he said positive progress has been made for revival of relations between two countries.
“We want cooperation with Pakistan in all spheres including trade,” said the US diplomat.
Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani later told media representatives that the Pakistani foreign minister had informed Nides of Pakistan’s commitment for peace in the region.
“We once again asked the US to respect Pakistan’s red lines regarding territorial sovereignty and integrity,” he said.
Jilani said Nides’s visit was taking place at a critical juncture when parliamentary process was underway to work out recommendations for engagements with the US.
Describing the delegation level talks as candid and fruitful, he said we have reiterated our position with regards to certain red lines that require respect for Pakistan territorial sovereignty.
