LOC19:40
16:40 GMT
ISLAMABAD, July 21 (KUNA) -- United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) James Dobbins met the senior civil and military leadership of Pakistan on Monday to discuss Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations and developments in Afghanistan, said an official press release.
The release by the public relations wing of Pakistan military, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Dobbins met the Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest came under discussion including post election situation in Afghanistan and coordination along Pakistan-Afghanistan border, said ISPR.
The SRAP also met Pakistan's Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz in the federal capital Islamabad to discuss Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations and developments in Afghanistan, said Foreign Office.
A press release by Pakistan Foreign Office said that the Adviser took the opportunity to laud Ambassador Dobbins' efforts for the promotion of stable, cooperative and durable relations between Pakistan and the U.S. during his term as SRAP.
The two sides reiterated their resolve to further deepen the bilateral relationship and strengthen mutual consultations on Afghanistan post-2014 with a view to advancing the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development in the region and beyond, it added.
According to Foreign Office, the Adviser highlighted the instrumental role of Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in fostering closer collaboration between the two countries in diverse fields including trade, economy, energy, counter-terrorism, education and science and technology. The two sides expressed satisfaction over the steady enhancement of mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation.
Aziz also highlighted Pakistan's monumental effort to address the threat of terrorism and underscored that the ongoing military operation, 'Zarb-e-Azb' in northern tribal areas of Pakistan was addressing this menace without any discrimination or distinction.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan. The Adviser underlined Pakistan's support for a peaceful democratic transition, underscoring its vital importance for stability in Afghanistan and the region. (end)
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