Kerry in Pak to discuss drone policy, Afghanistan
US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived here Wednesday for consultations with the newly-elected government in Pakistan and nudge it to eliminate terrorist safe-havens ahead of the withdrawal of US-led troops from neighbouring Afghanistan.
Kerry, who had earlier postponed his visit, will hold meetings with outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief General Ashfaq Kayani Thursday.
Bilateral relations and regional situation especially resumption of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US besides the issue of drone strikes will be discussed during the visit, the Foreign Office officials said.
Pakistan and US will hold discussion on regional situation with particular reference to post 2014 situation in Afghanistan, the Associated Press reported.
In Washington, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki in a statement said, "Kerry's discussions will focus on a wide range of topics including promoting security, strengthening the Pakistani economy, and reinforcing people-to-people ties between the US and Pakistan, in addition to regional topics of mutual interest."
Sharif's adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz issues relating to drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas and the situation in Afghanistan would also come up for discussions.
Copyright © 2013 The Indian Express ltd. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kerry-in-pak-to-discuss-drone-policy-afghanistan/1149494/