PR. No.200/2008

Date: 02/07/2008   

ASSISTANT SECRETARY BOUCHER CALLS ON THE FOREIGN MINISTER

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional issues of common interest.

The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of increased bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy, agriculture and social sector development.

Pakistan-U.S. cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism was also discussed. The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan 's commitment to combat the menace of extremism and terrorism through the government's three-pronged strategy. Assistant Secretary Boucher appreciated the Government's efforts in this regard.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also underscored Pakistan 's interest in a stable Afghanistan . The discussion on this subject covered matters relating to bilateral contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the jirga process.

The Foreign Minister also informed Assistant Secretary Boucher about his recent visit to India and Pakistan 's commitment to move forward in the Composite Dialogue process.

It was agreed to maintain the steady momentum of high-level bilateral contacts with a view to expanding Pakistan-U.S. cooperation in diverse fields.

Assistant Secretary Boucher is on his second visit to Pakistan this year. The visit is part of the regular consultations that both sides hold periodically.

Islamabad

2 July 2008