Pak-US dialogue in implementation phase now: Jalil

WASHINGTON: The resumption of strategic dialogue between the US and Pakistan has attained the implementation phase of cooperation in various sectors, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani said here Monday night.
Addressing a reception to mark the Pakistan Day, he said both countries had now developed convergence on a range of international and regional issues including strategic stability and regional security. The ambassador also appreciated Washington’s support for the Dasu Dam and energy projects.
The event was attended by Undersecretary of State for Management, Patrick F Kennedy as well as various US Department officials including Defence, Treasury, the USAID, Congressional aides and think tank experts, besides a very large number of community members. Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Jalil said Pakistan remained undeterred in its resolve to fight terrorism. “Advancing peace, security and stability, combating terrorism, promoting freedom and democracy, investing in economic development and prosperity and confronting the global threats posed by violent extremists in the broader region are among the areas where the US and Pakistan have shared interests. We have made important strides over the past year in jointly pursuing these shared goals,” he said.
He maintained that Pakistan had a policy to keep peaceful relations with its neighbours, hoping that New Delhi would reciprocate Pakistan’s desire to improve relations by resolving all disputes including Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Undersecretary Kennedy noted the “tremendous energy and creativity” in the bilateral relationship and praised all those working on both sides to strengthen the important bilateral relationship. “As Secretary (John) Kerry said during the last ministerial Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad this relationship was not just about threats we both faced but also about building a deeper, broader, long-term engagement between the people of Pakistan and the people of the United States.” The undersecretary said there was no way to overstate the importance of the bilateral cooperation or the potential to improve the security and prosperity of American and Pakistani citizens “through actions that are based on mutual respect and mutual interest.”
He also referred to the power of arts in deepening the connections between the two countries, and told the gathering about the US welcoming “incredible” Pakistani bands to Texas for a music festival.