Sartaj Aziz meets Podesta on Istanbul Process sideline

Beijing, October 31, 2014 (PPI-OT): Pakistan’s Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz who is leading Pakistan’s delegation at the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan met with US Adviser to the President, John Podesta today in Beijing on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process conference hosted by China.

The discussions focused on bilateral relations and recent developments in the region, particularly Afghanistan. During the meeting, Mr. Sartaj Aziz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan. The Adviser stated that Pakistan was determined to strengthen its relations with Afghanistan. Pakistan would extend support for an Afghan-led reconciliation process. He said that Pakistan was engaging with Afghanistan across a broad range of issues, including peace and security, trade and economic ties, reconstruction and rehabilitation, and regional cooperation.

Podesta underscored the common interest in meeting challenges like terrorism and praised Pakistan’s efforts, as manifest, in the latest operation in North Waziristan. Podesta also reaffirmed continued US support to Pakistan especially in the economy and energy sectors. Both leaders noted with the appreciation that bilateral relations between Pakistan and US had substantially improved.

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