Foreign Secretary’s Meeting with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice G. Wells

Ambassador Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, called on Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood today. A range of bilateral issues, including political engagement and economic partnership, were discussed. It was emphasized that a strong trade and investment relationship was key to advancing the shared vision of the leadership of both countries for the long term, broad-based and enduring partnership.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in IOJ&K, intensified ceasefire violations from the Indian side, belligerent rhetoric of the Indian civil and military figures, and India’s aggressive measu

res along the LoC. The importance of the international community playing its role in the peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute was emphasized.

The two sides also discussed recent developments regarding the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue to support the peace process and pursue positive development of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Referring to Foreign Minister’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United States, and his telephone conversations with other Foreign Ministers, the Foreign Secretary underscored that Pakistan remained committed to supporting the efforts for de-escalation of tensions and promoting the prospects of a diplomatic way forward on the differences and disputes in the Middle East.