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Published 09 Jan, 2014 03:54pm

Pakistan and US to review progress on strategic dialogue: FO

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said at the weekly news briefing in here on Thursday. She said that the dates for the purpose are being discussed and the review might take place in Washington.

She said Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz and US Secretary of State John Kerry will co-chair the strategic review meeting.

The spokesperson said there are five working groups for cooperation in different sectors and three of them have already met. She said the two groups on counter terrorism and defence have yet to meet.

Replying to a question she said there is no confirmation of the visit of the Indian Prime Minister in April this year as stated by the Indian External Affairs Minister. She said an invitation is there which has been accepted but there is no confirmation about the visit.

About resumption of the composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India, Tasnim Aslam said Pakistan has emphasized upon its early resumption. She said India was heading towards elections and it is not known if the process can resume before Indian elections.

Replying to another question, the spokesperson confirmed that the Saudi Interior Minister would visit Pakistan this month but added that the dates have not yet been finalized.

She said interior ministries of the two countries were also working on an agreement to be signed on the occasion. She said the two countries have already agreed to re-energize their Business Council and cooperate in a number of other areas including energy, infrastructure and investment.

She said some high-level visits would also take place between the two countries. To a question she said that Saudi Foreign Minister had stated that his country was not playing any role for talks between the Government and TTP.

About violence during Bangladesh elections and the emerging situation, the spokesperson said Pakistan is monitoring the developments. She said Pakistan Cricket Board is sending a security team to review situation in BD before sending team for T-20 tournament.

(APP)

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