US, Pakistan discuss regional stability

WASHINGTON: US and Pakistan have stressed on achieving peace and stability in South Asia and pledged to increase bilateral cooperation for the region's accelerated economic development.

National Security Advisor Susan Rice met with Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, at the White House yesterday.

Rice in her meeting with Fatemi appreciated Pakistan's "positive approach and outreach" to its neighbours as part of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's vision of a peaceful neighbourhood, a statement by Pakistan Embassy said.

This, Rice said, would go a long way in achieving enduring peace and stability in the region, the statement said.

Accompanied by the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Fatemi discussed with Rice the evolving regional scenario and how the two countries could cooperate to achieve their shared goals.

Acknowledging Pakistan's "immense sacrifices" in war against terrorism, Rice expressed US' unremitting support for accelerated regional economic development through enhanced cooperation between the countries of South Asia, it said.

Fatemi, currently on an official visit to the US, is meeting senior Administration officials and members of the US Congress.