Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs held a meeting with the United States National Security Advisor, Ambassador Susan Rice at the White House

Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs held a meeting with the United States National Security Advisor, Ambassador Susan Rice at the White House

Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs held a meeting with the United States National Security Advisor, Ambassador Susan Rice at the White House today. Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani accompanied him during the meeting.

SAPM Fatemi briefed NSA Rice on the important advances made by Pakistan in improving the state of its economy, internal security and various steps taken by the Government for socioeconomic development in the country.

SAPM Fatemi and NSA Rice reviewed the current state of Pak-U.S. bilateral relations and expressed their full satisfaction at the positive trajectory of the relationship. They also discussed the evolving regional scenario and how the two countries could cooperate to achieve their shared goals.

NSA Rice particularly appreciated Pakistan’s positive approach and outreach to its neighbours as part of the Prime Minister’s vision of a peaceful neighborhood. This, she noted, would go a long way in achieving enduring peace and stability in the region. Mr. Fatemi and Amb. Rice also reaffirmed their shared desire for continued close coordination to realize peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The NSA acknowledged Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in the war against terrorism and appreciated its commitment to eliminate this menace. In this context, the NSA expressed the United States’ unremitting support for accelerated regional economic development through enhanced cooperation between the countries of South Asia.

While recognizing the significance of continued high-level engagements between the two countries, both sides agreed to work closely to sustain and further build the momentum in high level exchanges to further solidify mutual trust and confidence between the two countries.

SAPM Fatemi and NSA Rice expressed their confidence that Pak-U.S. strategic partnership would further strengthen and deepen in the future. They expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Second Round of Working Group Meetings under the resumed strategic dialogue.

SAPM Fatemi is currently on an official visit to the United States and is meeting senior Administration officials and members of the U.S. Congress.

July 22, 2015
Washington DC