Acknowledging Pakistan's critical role for success in the US Afghan strategy, Acting Assistant Secretary of State Ambassador Alice Wells Monday conveyed the Trump administration's desire to work with Pakistan in furthering the shared objectives of stabilizing Afghanistan. This was conveyed to Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua by Ambassador Wells during a meeting here after her arrival in Islamabad along with senior officials from US National Security Council and the US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale.
The visit which took place in the aftermath of US President Donald Trump's New Year tirade against Pakistan through a tweet is the latest development after days of tough statements. However, the Foreign Office in a statement described the visit as part of regular engagement between the two countries on bilateral and regional cooperation. "Noting the importance of the longstanding bilateral relationship, Ambassador Wells acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in eradicating terrorism and conveyed the US desire to work with Pakistan in furthering the shared objectives of stabilizing Afghanistan," the Foreign Office said in the statement.
It added, "She [Wells] argued that as an immediate neighbor and important country of the region, Pakistan's support is critical to the success of the US strategy for Afghanistan." "To this end, Ambassador Wells underlined the need for strengthening intelligence cooperation between the two sides to improve co-ordination in counterterrorism efforts," it added.
The foreign secretary underscored that the relationship with the United States needs to move forward under an environment of mutual trust and respect. The US delegation was apprised of recent counterterrorism actions taken by Pakistan's law enforcement agencies that contributed to visible improvement in the security situation of Pakistan, it stated, adding that it was mentioned that these comprehensive counterterrorism actions would also contribute towards peace and stability of the entire region.
In the context of the regional situation, the foreign secretary expressed concerns on the continued use of Afghan soil by elements hostile to Pakistan's stability. She added that strengthening border management mechanisms between Pakistan and Afghanistan is vital to addressing concerns relating to cross-border movements.
The two sides agreed that all initiatives owned and led by the Afghans for seeking a peaceful solution should be supported by the regional countries. "Pakistan's positive role in several peace initiatives was appreciated," the statement added. The Foreign Office further said that Foreign Secretary Janjua also conveyed to the visiting top US diplomat that early repatriation of Afghan refugees is also important for improving relations with Afghanistan. The foreign secretary reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continue its efforts for promoting peace and stability in the region.
According to the statement, the foreign secretary also drew the attention of the US delegation to the recent irresponsible statement by the Indian Army Chief and the pattern of escalation by India on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary and condemned the Indian use of IEDs resulting in the martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers Sunday night. "She [Janjua] asked the US side to advise restraint to India and stop its escalation tactics," it added.
Ambassador Wells also held meeting with Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal. In a tweet, the Afghan envoy stated: "Today in meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asia, Alice Wells, who is visiting Islamabad discussed various issues of mutual interest and importance including current state of Afghan-Pak relations, peace process and refugees."
Pakistan has given a month deadline for the Afghan refugees to repatriate to their country, apparently in retaliation to US President Donald Trump's undermining of the country's contributions in war against terrorism followed by suspension of a major chunk of Pakistan's security assistance.
Earlier on January 12, Commander US Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen Joseph Votel telephoned Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa in which, according to ISPR, the former apprised CoAS of the US decision regarding suspension of security assistance and the CSF. Referring the statements by senior US officials, the CoAS said: "The entire Pakistani nation felt betrayed over the US recent statements despite decades of cooperation."
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