Pakistan on Wednesday formally voiced its concern over the recent US statements and the legislation attaching conditionalities to future assistance, terming these as "counter-productive" and contrary to the spirit of Pak-US strategic relationship.
Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri who met the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A Boucher here at the Foreign Office, discussed in detail the Pak-US relations, Pak-Afghan peace jirga, Indo-US nuclear agreement and cooperation in various areas.
The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan was making valuable contribution and immense sacrifices in fighting extremism and terrorism. In this regard he stressed that certain recent US statements were counter-productive to the close cooperation between the two countries.
Boucher underlined that the US policy was reflected in various statements made by President Bush and Secretary Rice emphasising the importance of Pak-US partnership and the need for the two counters to work together.
The Foreign Minister also expressed concern regarding the recent US legislation - "Implementation of 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act 2007" - which lays down conditionalities relating to security assistance to Pakistan.
"Such legislation reminded of the Pressler Amendment, which had impacted negatively on the bilateral relations, and was contrary to the spirit of Pak-US strategic relationship," the statement said.
Foreign Minister Kasuri said a long-term strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States was in the interest of both countries and for durable peace and security in the region. He emphasised that such a relationship should be based on mutual trust and confidence.
The Assistant Secretary appreciated the contribution and sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting extremism and terrorism. "The United States was committed to a long-term strategic relationship with Pakistan and there existed a solid foundation for such a relationship," the statement quoted Boucher as saying.
He noted that the two countries were engaged in cooperation across a broad range of areas, including economy, science and technology, and the social sector. The Foreign Minister and Assistant Secretary Boucher welcomed the outcome of the recent Joint Pak-Afghan Peace Jirga and expressed the hope that the follow-up mechanism established by the Jirga would help move the process forward.
They also discussed the next round of strategic dialogue between the two countries to be held in September. The Dialogue would cover the entire gamut of Pak-US relations, including the institutional mechanisms pertaining to promoting cooperation in the fields of Economy, Education, Energy, and Science and Technology.
Pakistan's energy needs and the US-India civil nuclear agreement were also discussed during the meeting. Assistant Secretary Boucher is on his fourth visit to Pakistan this year. This is part of the regular consultations that both sides hold periodically.
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