Following is the text of a joint statement by the United States and Pakistan on the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.
Begin Text:
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, accompanied by high-level delegations, met in Washington on October 20-22, 2010 for the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. As the third Ministerial-level meeting of the Strategic Dialogue, this session built upon the goals and objectives set forth in the March 24, 2010 session in Washington, and the progress made during the July 15, 2010 session in Islamabad. The latest round of the Strategic Dialogue confirmed the United States and Pakistan’s dedication to cultivating a strategic, comprehensive, and long-term partnership.
The Ministerial Dialogue was preceded by sectoral track engagement on agriculture, communications and public diplomacy, defense, energy, finance and economic cooperation, health, law enforcement and counter-terrorism, water, and women’s empowerment.
Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the U.S.-Pakistan strategic partnership, which was based on shared values, mutual respect, and mutual interests.
Foreign Minister Qureshi conveyed the sincere gratitude of the people of Pakistan to the Government and people of the United States for the valuable humanitarian assistance given in the wake of the tragic floods and for mobilizing international assistance for relief, recovery, and reconstruction. Secretary Clinton commended the tenacity of the Pakistani people as they recover from the catastrophic flooding and pledged constant U.S. support as relief efforts transition into the long-term recovery phase.
Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the Strategic Dialogue process. Sectoral meetings covered a broad range of subjects with a clear focus on socio-economic development and the establishment of a mutually beneficial partnership. As a culmination of their work over the past seven months, the sectoral working groups compiled action plans that reflect their shared goals and benchmarks, created a roadmap for future engagement, and discussed next steps on implementation of joint projects in every area.
The United States committed to redouble its efforts to seek Congressional enactment of legislation to create Reconstruction Opportunity Zones and for the establishment of an Enterprise Fund. Both sides sought to work closely and collaboratively with the international donor community and international financial institutions to extend economic assistance to Pakistan.
The United States commended the steadfast resolve of the Government and people of Pakistan, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies to defeat terrorists. Pakistan expressed its appreciation for the Secretary’s announcement to seek Congressional authorization for a Multi-Year Security Assistance Commitment, a five-year pledge by the United States.
The United States and Pakistan emphasized that a democratic, progressive, and prosperous Pakistan was in the interest of the United States, the region, and the world. The United States and Pakistan renewed their resolve to promoting peace, stability, and transparency throughout the region and to eliminate the threats posed by terrorism and extremism. Both sides remained focused on further deepening their cooperation on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, and during the Pakistani delegation’s visit to the White House, President Obama announced his plans to visit Pakistan in 2011 and welcomed President Zardari to Washington.
The United States committed continuing support to assist Pakistan in realizing its full development potential.
Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the action plans developed by both sides and advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The next round of the Strategic Dialogue is planned to be held in 2011; the sectoral working groups plan to meet prior to the next Ministerial-level meeting.
