Pak backs Afghan peace talks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood on Tuesday told visiting US acting assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Alice Wells that Islamabad would continue to support the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan.
The two officials discussed a range of bilateral issues, including political engagement and economic partnership, and exchanged views on recent developments regarding the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, the foreign office said.
“The foreign secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue to support the peace process and pursue positive development of Pakistan-afghanistan relations.”
The foreign secretary also highlighted the Kashmir issue and the alleged ceasefire violations from the Indian side, the foreign office said.
During the talks, it was emphasised that a strong trade and investment relationship was key to advancing the shared vision of the leadership of both countries for a long term, broadbased and enduring partnership, the FO said.
Separately, Wells also called on the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor Nadeem Babar and discussed various energy related issues, according to an official statement.
Babar gave her an overview of Pakistan’s energy sector, highlighting the recent reforms about ease of doing business in the country and new investment opportunities in the energy sector, it said.
He called for greater US cooperation in tapping Pakistan’s shale reserves.