WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s International Minister Khawaja Asif arrived right here right this moment on a three-day go to to the US as a part of efforts to rebuild bilateral ties frayed after President Donald Trump accused the nation of sheltering terror teams.
Asif, who will maintain talks with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson right this moment, will meet high management of the Trump Administration throughout his go to.
He’s additionally scheduled to satisfy US Nationwide Safety Advisor H R McMaster tomorrow.
The go to of the highest Pakistani diplomat comes lower than a fortnight of the US Vice President Mike Pence assembly the Pak Prime Minister Khaqan Abbasi in New York on the sidelines of the UN Basic Meeting session.
The go to signifies a gradual resumption of talks between the 2 nations that was paused by an upset Pakistan after Trump introduced his South Asia coverage.
Releasing the every day engagement of Tillerson, the State Division mentioned the 2 leaders would meet on the Foggy Backside headquarters of the State Division at round 10 am (7.30 pm IST). There can be a digital camera spray on the high.
“All the problems of mutual curiosity might be mentioned,” a spokesman of the Pak embassy in Washington DC mentioned in response to a query.
The International Minister may also ship remarks at the USA Institute of Peace (USIP), a Washington DC-based think-tank.
“International Minister Asif will ship remarks on Pakistan’s response because the announcement of the brand new US technique. He’ll focus on the dynamics between Pakistan and its neighbours, the position of regional gamers comparable to China, Iran and Russia, and the way forward for US-Pakistan relations,” USIP mentioned.
Based on the USIP, US-Pakistani relations have reached a brand new nadir following the announcement of the brand new US South Asia technique.
Trump’s speech seems to have confirmed Pakistani fears that the USA is shifting to treat India as its principal accomplice for engagement in Afghanistan and the area, it mentioned.
In the meantime, US officers sign a lack of persistence with Pakistan over the continued operation by violent extremist teams from throughout the nation that conduct assaults in Afghanistan and India.
Amongst high US policymakers, a extra coercive method with Pakistan seems to be gaining assist. Concepts beneath dialogue embrace decreasing navy support, growing unilateral drone exercise, and revoking Pakistan’s standing as a serious non-NATO ally, the USIP mentioned.
