ISLAMABAD- Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz today met the outgoing US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James F. Dobbins.

Dobbins 72, will be succeeded by his deputy, Daniel F. Feldman. In a farewell meeting, Aziz and Dobbins discussed the ongoing military operation against militants ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ in North Waziristan.  They also discussed withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and terrorism issues facing both the countries.

Dobbins praised Pakistan efforts in fight against terrorism. Aziz said US was a vital ally of Pakistan and lauded his efforts for the promotion of stable, cooperative and durable relations between Pakistan and the U.S. during his term as SRAP. The two sides reiterated their resolve to further deepen the bilateral relationship and strengthen mutual consultations on Afghanistan post-2014 with a view to advancing the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development in the region and beyond.

The Adviser highlighted the instrumental role of Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in fostering closer collaboration between the two countries in diverse fields including trade, economy, energy, counter-terrorism, education and science and technology. Reviewing the process since its revitalization last year, the two sides expressed satisfaction over the steady enhancement of mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation.

The Adviser also highlighted Pakistan’s monumental effort to address the threat of terrorism and underscored that the military operation, Zarb-e-Azb, was addressing this menace without any discrimination or distinction.

In the regional context, the Adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan. He appreciated the efforts of Secretary John Kerry who had contributed to an amicable understanding on election-related issues. The Adviser also underlined Pakistan’s support for a peaceful democratic transition, underscoring its vital importance for stability in Afghanistan and the region.


Foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and US ambassador Richard Olson were also present in a meeting.