US official holds talks with Dar, COAS

ISLAMABAD: US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass met with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday.

They discussed approaches to expanding bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, and the importance of fostering regional stability and prosperity, according to a statement issued by the US Mission here.

Mr Bass expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s continued cooperation in assisting Afghans in resettlement pathways to the United States. He congratulated the deputy prime minister on Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term and expressed the United States’ interest in working closely with the government of Pakistan during its tenure.

Heading a delegation, Mr Bass also called on Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch here. During the delegation-level talks, Pakistan proposed working towards a more meaningful bilateral relationship, and also noted the importance it attached to its relations with Washington.

“Pakistan noted the importance attached to its relations with the United States, and underlined the need to upgrade the bilateral mechanisms, especially in the economic and defence fields, and working towards building a broad-based and meaningful bilateral relationship,” said the Foreign Office after the meeting.

The two sides held wide ranging discussions on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including progress on the existing dialogue mechanisms on trade, energy, security, health, climate change and counter-terrorism.

This was the first delegation level talks that Foreign Secretary Baloch headed after assuming the office. Under Secretary Bass thanked the foreign secretary for the opportunity to engage substantively on issues of mutual interest.

“He said the US desired to partner with Pakistan in its efforts to strengthen and stabilise the economy. He expressed appreciation for the resilience shown by Pakistan in the face of recent challenges like floods and terrorist attacks,” added the Foreign Office.