Pakistan, US agree to discuss all matters of mutual interest

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and the United States have agreed to continue discussions on all matters of mutual interest for bilateral cooperation and peace in the region.

The understanding came during delegation level talks in Islamabad on Thursday.

US Interagency delegation was led by Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for South Asia Ms Lisa Curtis.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua led the Pakistani side.

The two sides reviewed the state of play in the relationship in the wake of the US strategy on Afghanistan and South Asia.

Reiterating Pakistan's stance for a politically negotiated settlement owned and led by Afghans, Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan's constructive participation in all regional and bilateral mechanisms aimed at pursuing a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict.

It was noted that persistent Indian refusal to engage with Pakistan despite Pakistan's repeated overtures for a comprehensive dialogue was adversely impacting regional stability.

The US delegation emphasized the importance of reinvigorating the bilateral relationship in order to achieve the common objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.