Pakistan-US experts discuss non-proliferation of nuclear materials

ISLAMABAD: Strategic export control experts from Pakistan and the US today discussed the best practices to maintain strict control over non-proliferation of nuclear materials.

Pakistan apprised the US side of the latest developments in the country's strategic export control system, its internal compliance mechanism and the National Control Lists (NCL)'s review process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The meeting, held here, was co-chaired by Vann Van Diepen, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Non Proliferation, and Tasnim Aslam, Additional Secretary (United Nations and Economic Coordination).

It was the second such meeting on strategic export controls where experts from both the sides shared their respective best practices, the ministry said.

"The US delegation appreciated the progress on harmonization of Pakistan's National Control Lists (NCL) with those of control lists of international export control regimes and the steps taken by Pakistan to keep its export control at par with international standards," it said.

The US side gave briefings on various export controls aspects including their best practices, training measures and reforms being conducted by the relevant American agencies.

Such interactions are part of Pakistan's consistent outreach effort to engage with the international community to mutually benefit from the best practices, the ministry said.

"Pakistan is fully committed to non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their delivery systems. Based on its credentials, Pakistan qualifies to join export control regimes including NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)," it said.

The bilateral meeting is related to the Security, Strategic Stability and Non-proliferation working group which is part of Pak-US strategic dialogue.