Printer Friendly Version

PR. No.212/2008

Date: 12/07/2008   

MEETING OF MAKHDOOM SHAH MAHMOOD QURESHI,

FOREIGN MINISTER OF PAKISTAN WITH

U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR, MR. STEPHEN HADLEY,

ON 11 JULY 2008

 
 
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met this afternoon with US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. The meeting touched on a number of important issues of mutual interest.

 
Foreign Minister told Mr. Hadley that the new government had come to power in Pakistan with a strong sense of legitimacy and high expectations of the Pakistani people. The government is, therefore, fully committed to turn around the tough economic situation of the country and improve law and order. He expressed determination of the Government of Pakistan to fight terrorism, which continues to be a threat to Pakistan . He stressed that the Pakistani Government will not negotiate with the terrorists, but will work with our people to limit the influence of extremists in the society.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan 's commitment to a long-term and broad based strategic partnership with the US .

 
Mr. Hadley conveyed the full support of President Bush and the US Government for the democratic government in Pakistan and expressed the commitment to work with the civilian leadership to further strengthen the relationship between Pakistan the United States .

 
The two interlocutors discussed in a candid and constructive manner the current state of relations and the challenges in the relationship. They appreciated the enormous potential for a long term strategic partnership between the two countries. Foreign Minister said that the Pakistani government was committed to end the cyclical nature of Pak-US relationship of the past. He said that the interests of Pakistan and the US in the region coincide and the two countries should, therefore, work together to achieve common objectives based on mutual respect and confidence. Mr. Hadley reciprocated the sentiment and agreed that the two countries should continue to maintain their engagement and strengthen dialogue and promote friendship between the two governments and peoples of the United States and Pakistan .

Foreign Minister Qureshi and Mr. Hadley also discussed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Gillani to the United States at the end of this month and agreed that the visit would mark an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.

 
 
Islamabad

12 July 2008