US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has termed the Pak-US strategic dialogue a milestone to strengthen the mutual trust between the two nations. In a brief interview to a private TV channel telecast Tuesday, the US Secretary of State said," this strategic dialogue is at the highest level that we ever had between the two countries and we are very committed to it."
"Let me say how pleased we are to have a first of our strategic dialogues in Washington," she added. Hilary said she "can't pre-judge or pre-empt what the outcome of discussion would be but whole range of issues would be covered in this dialogue." She said the outcome would of course take some time because an overnight result of such strategic discussion was not possible.
"It is important to start, to sort the things out and to develop a trust and confidence between the two nations," she said adding that "we will be moving forward to have our next session in future in Islamabad." To a question, Hilary said the US-India nuclear deal was the result of many years of strategic dialogue. As far Pakistan's energy issues are concerned there are more immediate steps that could be taken, she said. "We are certainly looking at it as how to help Pakistan with its long terms energy needs," she maintained.
On the slow pace of money flow through KLB, she said there are some rules to be followed in this regard adding but the money is being flowed and it is being delivered. "The US administration is well aware of Pakistan's financial challenges and it will do every thing to expedite the money flow for investment in agriculture, energy and security sectors besides many other areas," she said. She said the new US administration came in office wanting for deep and broad relationship with Pakistan adding that "we are working to try to realise the benefit of greater market access to Pakistan".