By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based and sustainable relationship to their mutual benefit at the second round of strategic dialogue here on Wednesday.
The US wanted a long-term and robust relationship with Pakistan and its policy towards Pakistan’s tribal areas was characterized by respect for the country’s sovereignty, US Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte said at a joint news conference with Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Riaz Muhammad Khan.
Both Negroponte and Muhammad Khan welcomed the growth of interaction in a variety of dimensions, especially bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Muhammad Khan said the strategic dialogue focused on four areas of education, science and technology, energy and economy. For education, science and technology, there are a number of proposals, including capacity building, exchanges, establishment of an institute for advance technologies in Pakistan and also US assistance in establishing science parks.
With regard to economy, the dialogue focused on Reconstruction Opportunities Zones in the tribal region of Pakistan. The US side disclosed that a legislation would soon be introduced in the Congress for the purpose.
Muhammad Khan said Pakistan explained in detail its plan for expansion and development of the energy sector to meet its growing energy requirements. These included hydro-electricity, thermal, renewable sources and nuclear energy. Pakistan looked forward to assistance from the international community to help meet its growing energy needs.
Pakistan wanted the United States to help produce energy from thermal resources, especially coal, and also help Pakistan in getting energy resources from Central Asia, he said.
Negroponte said that the economic dialogue between the two countries was scheduled in Washington and that he hoped the issue of energy cooperation would be discussed in detail there.
He also said that the US appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifice in combating terrorism and extremism.
Muhammad Khan reiterated Pakistan’s resolve not to allow anyone to use its territories for terrorist activities.