Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its ties with the United States.  

He was speaking to a select gathering of foreign policy experts and US government representatives in Washington.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister said US is an important strategic partner in both the security and economic domains for Pakistan and we look forward to strengthening these bonds in future with the new US administration.

Tariq Fatemi said efforts are underway to normalize relations with India and Afghanistan as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif believes in peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood.

He however, regretted the absence of any reciprocal desire on the part of some of Pakistan's neighbours.

Special Assistant termed as encouraging some of the recent pronouncements by the President-elect indicating US willingness to play its part in helping with certain important issues facing the South Asian region.

He said Pakistan has sacrificed thousands of lives of both civilian and security personnel in the fight against terrorism but its resolve to eradicate the menace remained strong as ever.

Tariq Fatemi also called on Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, Senator John McCain  in Washington and discussed bilateral relations and regional security.

During the meeting, tense situation on Line of Control and Pak-Afghan relations were also discussed.

On the occasion, Tariq Fatemi said Pak Army has conducted a successful operation against terrorists in North Waziristan.

Senator John McCain appreciated Pakistan's efforts against terrorism. He said US will continue cooperation with Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi has also briefed leadership of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the increasing negative implications for prospects of peace in South Asia because of Indian hostility and belligerence.

He was talking to Chairman of the Committee Bob Corker and Ranking Member Ben Cardin, together with their senior staffers in Washington.

The Special Assistant briefed the Senators on how Pakistan had turned the page by focusing on improving economy and security in the country during the last three years.

He appreciated the role of the US Congress in authorizing the critical counter-terrorism assistance that helped Pakistan in eradicating the terrorist networks operating from FATA and promoting peace and stability in the region.

Syed Tariq Fatemi highlighted massive human rights violations by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir as well as the continued tension across the Line of Control.

The leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee acknowledged Pakistan's role in promoting peace and security in the region.

They expressed the US desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan, which was a longstanding and important partner of the United States. -Radio Pakistan