By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistan and the United States of America on Wednesday agreed to “resume and intensify” their strategic dialogue, besides launching the first phase in energy cooperation.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressing a joint press stakeout here at the Foreign Office after a round of talks, expressed the resolve to have a relationship based on “trust, mutual respect, shared objectives and mutually shared responsibility.”
Secretary Clinton who arrived here this morning on a three day visit, said the US desired to “turn page to a new partnership” with the people of Pakistan and to “strengthen and deepen” its ties.
She said the objective of talks was “to have a comprehensive dialogue that is result oriented.”
She announced first phase of “signature energy program” aimed at improving the efficiency of local energy providers, through repair, upgradation and provision of key equipment.
The United States will also help Pakistan built power stations at Tarbela, besides upgradation of 10,000 tubewells across to make them energy efficient.
“This first phase is only the beginning,” Clinton said and added that if the Congress approves, more such programs can be launched.
Qureshi who described the talks as “frank and honest”, stressed the need to build a relationship and regain each others’ confidence. He hoped that Secretary Clinton’s visit would bridge and deepen the relationship.
He said Pakistan had entered into a critical phase in its fight against extremism and terrorism.
“To express solidarity with Pakistan is a loud and clear message of the government and the people of United States of America,” Qureshi said.
“We had a very positive, very constructive engagement. I shared a roadmap of Pakistan, US relationship, which is the way forward for future.”
He said the two sides also discussed how to be sensitive to each others concerns and align their strategic interests for future.
“We both were of the view that our relationship has to go beyond fighting terrorism. We have to build each others’ strengths,” Qureshi said and pointed that Pakistan urged greater market access, assistance in energy related projects, capacity building and greater trade, as opposed to aid.
Secretary Clinton when asked about reports regarding withdrawal of troops along the Pak Afghan border, next to Waziristan, said
“It is true that we have more military presence at the borders. We have changed the outpost locations, consolidated these and looking to cooperate with Pakistan military how best to jointly address the challenges at the border.”
To another question she said “the fight in Waziristan is of paramount importance for Pakistan and we understand that.”
She said the US was also open to those who change their minds towards terrorism, however added that her government’s resolve against extremists was “strong as ever.”
Asked about definition of “good Taliban”, she said “I don’t know about good, but [these are] people who are less than committed in this job. On both sides of the border, there are people who are forced to be Taliban. Let’s sort out the hardcore and defeat them,” she said.
“We should be at least open and do the case individual to individual,” Clinton said.
She said the security issues were facing both the countries and Pakistan was facing brutal extremist groups.
“Pakistan has endured a barrage of attacks and we convey the sympathy of the people of United States,” she said and added that the fight was not alone for the people of Pakistan.
She commended the Pakistan’s military for its “courageous fight”. “We stand shoulder to shoulder and will give help to achieve what we need.”
She said the two sides discussed the ways on “how we can ensure an effective, responsive and enduring democracy.”
“America wants to help in what you think is good for you,” she said.
She said “in democracies there has to be a partnership between people and that is what I aim to foster.”
Secretary Clinton said it was her fifth visit to Pakistan and said she looks forward to discuss with people of Pakistan, from all walks of life the perceptions and what the people think about their relationship.