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PR. No. 282/2009
Date: 23/07/2009
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI MEETS US SECRETARY OF STATE
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is attending the 16 th ARF Ministerial meeting in Phuket , Thailand , held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State, Ms. Hillary Clinton on 23 July 2009 on the margins of the ARF Ministerial meeting.
Highlighting close bilateral relations between Pakistan and US, the Foreign Minister thanked the US for its assistance to Pakistan including for the dislocated persons. He welcomed the recognition and acknowledgement by the international community of Pakistan 's efforts against terrorism and militancy. Early reconsideration of the Kerry Lugar Bill and PEAC Act will be a positive development in the context of ongoing co-operation between Pakistan and the United States .
The Foreign Minister apprised Secretary Clinton of the ongoing law enforcement operation in Swat and Malakand and said that it has succeeded in its objective due to popular support.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the peace and development of Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan desires peace and stability in Afghanistan and hopes that the forthcoming Presidential election in Afghanistan will usher in an era of peace and reconciliation.
The Foreign Minister also emphasized Pakistan's desire to have a peaceful neighbourhood and in this regard apprised her of the recent meeting between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India at Sharm el Sheikh.
Secretary Clinton appreciated the resolute action Pakistan is taking against militants and terrorists and said that US acknowledges the “sacrifices” Pakistan has given in this struggle. She reaffirmed US support and solidarity for Pakistan's development and said that the US will continue to assist Pakistan's efforts for the reconstruction of affected areas. She welcomed the recent contacts between Pakistan and India saying that both countries need to resolve their differences peacefully. A discussion also took place on strengthening bilateral linkages in various fields including holding of the next round of Strategic Dialogue.
Islamabad
23 July 2009
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