ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States discussed strengthening bilateral relations, regional security, counterterrorism cooperation and Middle East developments during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, officials said on Friday.
The meeting took place between Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Deputy Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur.
Officials said both sides agreed to further expand cooperation in multiple areas of mutual interest.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Pakistan’s Interior Secretary also attended the meeting.
The two sides discussed security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts and counter-narcotics collaboration in detail. They also exchanged views on the regional situation and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan-US relations had strengthened further during the tenure of former US President Donald Trump.
He said bilateral ties were based on mutual trust and sustained cooperation.
Naqvi said Pakistan had ensured foolproof security for US companies working on the Reko Diq project to promote a safe investment environment.
He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to launch direct flights between Pakistan and the United States soon, saying it would boost people-to-people contacts and economic cooperation.
On Middle East developments, Naqvi said Pakistan sought a lasting and peaceful resolution to regional conflicts and supported diplomacy and negotiations.
Paul Kapur appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region and reaffirmed US commitment to continued cooperation in multiple sectors.
