{"id":2890,"date":"2013-10-24T14:55:36","date_gmt":"2013-10-24T09:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanhc.lk\/?p=2890"},"modified":"2020-01-09T00:18:19","modified_gmt":"2020-01-08T18:48:19","slug":"nawaz-sharif-obama-say-partnership-vital-to-regional-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/?p=2890","title":{"rendered":"Nawaz Sharif, Obama say partnership vital to regional security"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama Wednesday expressed their conviction that an enduring US-Pakistan partnership was vital to regional and international security and recognized their shared interest in Pakistan\u2019s economic growth and development,regional stability, and mutually determined measures to counter terrorism.\u00a0A joint statement issued by the two leaders after their Oval Office meeting, said President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif held wide-ranging discussions about the importance of a US-Pakistan partnership built on a foundation of mutual interest and respect.\u201cThey acknowledged the substantial progress in the bilateral\u00a0relationship over the last year and noted its resilient nature. The President and\u00a0the Prime Minister affirmed US-Pakistan friendship and close cooperation and recalled our positive contributions to international peace and security at crucial junctures during the Cold War and in the post-9\/11 period.<\/div>\n
\u201cReaffirming the strong relationship between the two countries, theystressed that our enduring partnership is based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.\u201d
\nPresident Obama conveyed appreciation for Pakistan\u2019s internal and regionalsecurity challenges and affirmed that a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan was an essential partner for the United States in the advancement of shared goals of peace, security, and socio-economic development in South Asia.
\nPresident Obama congratulated Prime Minister Sharif on being elected\u00a0to office in the historic May elections, observing that the smooth democratictransition between two elected governments was a milestone for the democratic institutions in Pakistan.
\nAffirming that both the United States and Pakistan are committed todemocracy, human rights, freedom, and respect for international law, PresidentObama and Prime Minister Sharif dedicated themselves to deepening and enhancing the relationship between the peoples of the United States and Pakistan.
\nBoth the leaders welcomed the resumption of the US-Pakistan Strategic
\nDialogue and reaffirmed its importance as the suitable framework for guiding the bilateral relationship. They emphasized that the dialogue should focus on people-centered initiatives and on results-oriented outcomes in support of the long-term stability, prosperity, and security of both the United States and Pakistan.
\nThey discussed the forthcoming Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue, whichSecretary Kerry would be hosting in Washington by March 2014. They also decidedon the strategic priorities for the five working groups including: 1) Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism; 2) Economics and Finance; 3) Energy; 4)Security, Strategic Stability, and\u00a0Non-Proliferation; and 5) the Defense Consultative Group.
\nPrime Minister Sharif highlighted his government\u2019s efforts for economic growth, energy security, social development, and good governance. He thanked President Obama for the important contribution the United States has made in supporting Pakistan\u2019s development efforts, including through the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.
\nThe Leaders discussed the Prime Minister\u2019s deep commitment to\u00a0increasing economic growth in Pakistan and to taking the steps necessary\u00a0to put Pakistan on a path of long-term economic growth and stability. ThePresident gave the assurance that the United States would strongly supportefforts to enlarge and strengthen Pakistan\u2019s economy, particularly in the energysector, as this sector could play a critical role in ensuring the well-being andprosperity of the people of Pakistan.<\/div>\n
President Obama reiterated US support for ongoing programmes to strengthen Pakistan\u2019s economy and increased agricultural productivity.
\nHe also pledged continued support to help Pakistan address its energy shortfall, a key focus of U.S. assistance to Pakistan.
\nNoting that resolving Pakistan\u2019s energy crisis is a top priority for his government, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his commitment to expand power generation capacity, promote the efficient use of energy resources, and better utilize Pakistan\u2019s domestic natural gas, hydroelectric, and renewable resources.
\nThe leaders emphasized that both sides should work together on a range of options to enable Pakistan to overcome its energy deficiencies and that both sides will hold further discussions in the working groups on Energy and Security, Strategic Stability, and Non-Proliferation. President Obama noted that U.S.
\nassistance in the energy sector has added over 1,000 megawatts of power to Pakistan\u2019s national grid, helping over 16 million Pakistanis.\u00a0 Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for US assistance toward the construction and rehabilitation of Gomal Zam, Satpara, Mangla, and Tarbela dams and the modernization of Guddu, Jamshoro, and Muzaffargarh power plants.
\nThe leaders highlighted the recent Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) loan for private sector wind development in Sindh.
\nPrime Minister Sharif also thanked President Obama for US support toward the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams, which are critical to meeting Pakistan\u2019s long-term energy and water needs. He also welcomed the announcement of funding for the Kaitu Weir Hydroelectric and Irrigation Project, which will increase Pakistan\u2019s overall energy production, expand the amount of irrigated land, and provide livelihood options for residents of North Waziristan.
\nThe two leaders looked forward to the meeting of the Working Group on Energy in November 2013, followed by a US-organized Pakistani trade mission to Houston, Texas, to meet with major U.S. energy companies. In preparation for this working group, they instructed their teams to develop a US technical assistance programme to support the development of Pakistan\u2019s domestic natural gas reserves.
\nPresident Obama also reaffirmed US support in key areas such as\u00a0 economic growth, agriculture, health, and education. He highlighted that the United States remains Pakistan\u2019s largest export market and one of
\nthe largest sources of foreign direct investment in Pakistan. The Prime Minister welcomed US support to private sector-led growth and job creation in Pakistan, including through the Pakistan Private Investment Initiative (PPII) launched at the jointly sponsored Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference in Dubai in June 2013, which would make a matching investment of $100 million in the development and expansion of small and medium size businesses in Pakistan.
\nPrime Minister Sharif highlighted his keen interest in expanding bilateral trade and investment, and the two Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to this end. The two leaders pledged to continue this discussion through the Strategic Dialogue process and noted that the United States-Pakistan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) is the key vehicle to promote US investments in Pakistan.
\nThe President announced that United States Trade Representative Michael Froman would invite his counterpart to Washington for a TIFA Council meeting, at which these issues could be discussed in greater depth.
\nThe two leaders directed their senior officials to develop a joint action plan to expand trade and investment flows between the United States and Pakistan over the next five years and expressed their intention to hold the third US-Pakistan Economic Opportunities Conference in the next year.\u00a0 Both the leaders affirmed their commitment to the multilateral trading system and to a successful 9th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Bali.
\nExpressing satisfaction at the implementation of the 2003 Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between the United States and Pakistan and acknowledging its significance in promoting a decade of intensified cooperation between the two countries, the two leaders decided to extend the agreement through 2018.
\nThey also discussed the importance of investing in Pakistan\u2019s growing youth population through high-quality education programmes. President Obama reiterated that US assistance for education in Pakistan has built or rehabilitated over 600 schools, provided 12,000 university scholarships to Pakistani students, trained more than 10,000 teachers and school administrators, and provided more US-funded scholarships under the prestigious Fulbright programme in Pakistan than anywhere else in the world. These investments help prepare Pakistan\u2019s younger generation to enter the job market and become leaders in their country and communities, and the two leaders expressed their shared intent to further promote educational and research opportunities for Pakistani students, scholars, and researchers in U.S. institutions. President Obama also highlighted the announcement of the USAID Reading Initiative, which is aimed at helping\u00a0 over 3.2 million Pakistani school children learn to read.
\nTaking note of the robust bilateral defence cooperation between their two countries, including recent military engagements, exercises, and consultations on regional security, President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum achieved in defense relations and reaffirmed that this partnership should continue to grow and endure.
\nThe two leaders noted with satisfaction that the Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) are facilitating the movement of US and\u00a0 International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cargo through Pakistan.
\nPrime Minister Sharif conveyed appreciation for US security assistance in support of Pakistan\u2019s counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, counternarcotics, and maritime security operations and expressed hope of broadening bilateral defense cooperation in areas that serve mutual interest. To bolster these efforts, the United States plans to continue providing assistance and support, including training and equipment to Pakistan\u2019s military and security services. The two leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation, including in regional maritime security.
\nPresident Obama noted Pakistan\u2019s positive efforts to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and both the leaders resolved to continue working together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices. President Obama commended the resolve of the government and people of Pakistan, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies to defeat terrorists and praised Pakistan for its military campaign. They shared their mutual conviction that a stable and peaceful Pakistan-Afghanistan border was important for the success of counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and counter-IED efforts, and they underscored the critical significance of effective border coordination mechanisms between Pakistan and Afghanistan in achieving these objectives.
\nBoth President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Prime Minister shared his perspective on effective counterterrorism cooperation to achieve the mutual objective of defeating terrorism. President Obama thanked Prime Minister Sharif for Pakistan\u2019s
\nefforts to help defeat al-Qa\u2019ida, and both the leaders expressed their deep appreciation for the sacrifices of military personnel and civilians in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
\nThe two leaders emphasized that no country\u2019s territory should be used to destabilize its neighbors. Further, they noted that extremism and terrorism represent a common challenge for humanity and that the solution lies in collaboration and joint efforts by the international community.<\/div>\n
President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security. President Obama appreciated Pakistan\u2019s constructive engagement with the Nuclear Security Summit process and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international forums, while acknowledging Pakistan\u2019s efforts to improve its strategic trade controls\u00a0 and enhance its engagement with multilateral export regimes.
\nLooking ahead to the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit at the Hague, the two leaders reaffirmed the commitments of the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, strengthening nuclear security; reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism; preventing terrorists, criminals, or other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials; and working closely for the objectives of the Summit.
\nThey acknowledged the importance of regional balance and stability in South Asia and pursuing increased transparency and uninterrupted dialogue in support of peaceful resolutions of all outstanding issues. Prime Minister Sharif affirmed Pakistan\u2019s support for the universal objectives of non-proliferation and disarmament. The two leaders underscored that all sides should continuously act with maximum restraint and work jointly toward strengthening strategic stability in South Asia.
\nPrime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan\u2019s desire to join the multilateral export regimes. President Obama reiterated his confidence in Pakistan\u2019s commitment and dedication to nuclear security and recognized
\nthat Pakistan is fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues.
\nPresident Obama and Prime Minister Sharif renewed their determination to promote peace, stability, and transparency throughout the region. They committed to work together to combat international terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and prosperity.
\nThe two leaders welcomed progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project, and tasked the Energy Working Group to explore possible further US support for the Central
\nAsia-South Asia electricity line, CASA-1000, in close collaboration with the World Bank. Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for the development and rehabilitation by the US government of roads in Pakistan\u2019s border areas, including the four major transit routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
\nBoth sides emphasized the need to maintain and enhance the GLOCs\u2019 relevant infrastructure, and Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the recently signed agreement between Pakistan\u2019s National Highway Authority and USAID to rehabilitate 247 kilometers of the Kalat-Chaman road, which will help pave the way for regional trade by linking Kandahar to Quetta and to the port of Karachi.
\nThe President and Prime Minister reaffirmed that a peaceful, stable, independent, and united Afghanistan is in the interest of the region.
\nThey welcomed the ongoing security transition in Afghanistan and Afghan-led preparations for next April\u2019s presidential elections.
\nThe two leaders recognized the important role of countries in the region in supporting Afghanistan\u2019s progress toward stability and prosperity and stressed that continued engagement by the international community in Afghanistan\u2019s economic and social development and reconstruction would be essential in ensuring the long-term security and prosperity of the Afghan people.\u00a0 Prime Minister Sharif also underlined that the support of the international community in the repatriation of Afghan refugees from\u00a0 Pakistan and their reintegration in Afghanistan was of critical importance to Pakistan.The two leaders emphasized their support for a policy of non-interference in Afghanistan.
\nThe leaders affirmed their commitment to the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process as the surest way to end violence and bring lasting stability to Afghanistan and the region.
\nAcknowledging Pakistan\u2019s efforts to support an inclusive reconciliation process in which Afghans determine the future of their country, both leaders called on the Taliban to join the political process and enter into dialogue with the Afghan government.
\nThe two leaders stressed that improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for lasting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, as it would significantly benefit the lives of citizens on both sides of the border.\u00a0 In this context, President Obama welcomed recent engagements between Prime Minister Sharif and Prime Minister Singh and expressed hope that this would mark the beginning of a sustained dialogue process between the two neighbors, aimed at building lasting peace in South Asia and resolving all outstanding territorial and other disputes through peaceful means.\u00a0 President
\nObama welcomed steps taken by Pakistan and India to improve their economic relations, including by exploring electricity and gas supply agreements, developing a reciprocal visa regime, and expanding bilateral trade.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama Wednesday expressed their conviction that an enduring US-Pakistan partnership was vital to regional and international security and recognized their shared interest in Pakistan\u2019s economic growth and development,regional stability, and mutually determined […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2895,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,63],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2890"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2890"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2890\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2894,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2890\/revisions\/2894"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2895"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pakistanhc.lk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}