Sartaj Aziz discusses Indo-Pak relationship with Rice

Washington: Pakistan Foreign Affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz today discussed the Afghan reconciliation process and "positive developments" in Indo-Pak relationship with US National Security Advisor Susan Rice here.

Rice appreciated the sacrifices made by Pakistan military in its successful endeavours to confront the security challenges posed by terrorist elements, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani Embassy here.

Aziz briefed Rice on the recent positive developments concerning Pakistan's relations with India, the official statement said.

Aziz, the foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reiterated the importance of reconciliation process in Afghanistan, while reassuring that Pakistan would provide the necessary support for an Afghan owned and Afghan led initiative in this regard.

He also stated that improved management of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was key to the ultimate success in efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism in the region, the statement said.
The two leaders reviewed the current state of Pak-US bilateral relations and expressed confidence that strategic partnership between the two countries would further strengthen and deepen in various areas of cooperation.

While recognising the significance of continued high-level engagements between the two countries, Rice said she is looking forward to the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Washington at the end of March for participation in the Nuclear Security Summit.