ISLAMABAD: US Deputy Secretary of State, Toney Blinken, has appreciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's efforts to reach out to Pakistan's neighbours, India and Afghanistan, hoping that the initiatives would help bring peace and prosperity to the region.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, arrived in Washington on an official visit where he is expected to finalise Premier Sharif's expected visit to US later in October this year.

"Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, met US Deputy Secretary of State, Tony Blinken at the Department of State yesterday. Ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Mr Jalil Abbas Jilani, accompanied him, whereas Mr Dan Feldman Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan assisted Mr Blinken," Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khailiullah said in a statement.

During the meeting the Special Assistant and the Deputy Secretary reviewed the state of bilateral relationship between the countries and expressed satisfaction over its growing momentum and positive trajectory.

Both sides acknowledged that high-level interactions between the leadership of the two countries have contributed significantly in strengthening bilateral cooperation on economy, regional stability, and countering extremism and terrorism.

The Special Assistant briefed the Deputy Secretary of State on the Prime Minister’s consistent policy of outreach to Pakistan’s neighbours and his commitment to maintaining cordial relations with all its neighbors, including Afghanistan and India.

He also apprised the Deputy Secretary of State of the steps taken by the Government over the last two years to implement its economic agenda, while highlighting the progress made in achieving economic stability and investor confidence.

Mr Fatemi also briefed the Deputy Secretary of State about the ongoing law enforcement operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) aimed at eliminating all militants from Pakistani soil.

He thanked the US for its continued support to Pakistan for its political and economic stability and its efforts to bring regional peace and harmony.

Deputy Secretary Blinken appreciated Pakistan’s stabilising role in the region and the efforts made by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for reaching out to Pakistan's neighbours.

Mr Blinken also assured the Special Assistant of continued US engagement with the region and reiterated US support to Prime Minister’s economic development plans with special focus on energy and countering extremism and militancy.

Pakistan’s role in facilitating the reconciliation process between Afghan government and the Taliban was also lauded by the US side.