Joint statement issued after strategic dialogue with US; Kashmir recognised as a dispute

[Who.Cares]

Pakistan, US for meaningful dialogue on Kashmir issue - Khaleej Times

Two countries reiterate commitment to strengthen ties after strategic dialogue.


The United States and Pakistan have emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue and called on "all parties" in the region "to act with maximum restraint".

"The US and Pakistan emphasised the importance of meaningful dialogue in support of peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir," said a US-Pakistan joint statement, issued a day after the two countries concluded their sixth Strategic Dialogue.

The two countries reiterated their commitment to further strengthen their multifaceted partnership as Washington expressed its continuing support for the Pakistani armed forces in their ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the tribal areas.

They noted the importance of US-Pakistan defence cooperation, which supports shared strategic objectives relating to counter-terrorism and regional stability.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and US Secretary of State John Kerry met on Tuesday to convene the meeting under the Strategic Dialogue Framework. The last ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue was held in Islamabad on January 13, 2015. This session built on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's successful visit to Washington in October 2015.

Both the United States and Pakistani delegations expressed their desire for the US-Pakistan bilateral security relationship to continue on a mutually beneficial and sustainable trajectory.

The United States expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces and civilians in these efforts.The Pakistani delegation expressed its appreciation for US support in bolstering Pakistan's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capacity.

Both sides underscored the importance of bilateral defence cooperation as serving their mutual interest and noted their willingness to explore new avenues to refine defence collaboration.

Pakistan expressed its appreciation for the pledge of $250 million announced by Secretary Kerry in 2015 for the relief, recovery and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons from the Fata. The United States continues to partner with Pakistan to reconstruct schools, hospitals, and infrastructure to restore communities in the Fata and assist in the return of people to their homes.

Noting the steps taken by Pakistan to date, including the detention of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Maulana Masood Azhar, the US appreciated Prime Minister Sharif's stated commitment to take prompt and decisive action on this investigation and to bring the perpetrators of the January 2, 2016 attack on the Pathankot air base to justice.

Both sides expressed their conviction that a robust, long-term bilateral relationship remains critical to regional and international security and prosperity. They agreed that a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan is an essential partner for the US in advancing these shared goals.

"As such, the United States and Pakistan have a shared and enduring interest in Pakistan's continued economic growth and prosperity, increased bilateral trade and investment, education and social development, respect for human rights and rule of law, regional stability, and ongoing collaboration on measures to counter violent extremism and combat terrorism," the statement added. The two reaffirmed the importance of the Strategic Dialogue, which provides vision and direction for this bilateral partnership, and reviewed progress made in its six working groups, which represent core areas of joint interest and cooperation.

The meeting also acknowledged the importance of sustaining cooperation on shared interests through US civilian assistance, in line with the intent of legislation known as the 'Kerry-Lugar-Berman' act.

 

[Pakistanisage]

So much for the the Indian claim that " KASHMIR " is no longer an disputed territory.

 

[Super Falcon]

Above all modi all international visits based on hated to pak and kashmir is their attot ang

I said them USA will always stab u in back without pak usa cant even think of sebding troops to afghanistan

Indian mind and thinking is very very small money can buy u weapons but money cant buy you geo political stretegicaly important player in region

Why evetyone is behind u just to sell u weapons thats it other than that you are valueless u dont offer strategic importance to world power they need piece of ecnomical share from u its is their goal

 

[Mythal]

Original expert from the statement issued.
"We believe the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, is possible through resumption of full-scale and uninterrupted dialogue with India."

 

[kasper95]

So much for the the Indian claim that " KASHMIR " is no longer an disputed territory.

as usual you don't read other than the header.

apart from the headlines and your post there is no mention of dispute.

so much for Pakistan's claim

 

[Razia Sultana]

As long as US is present in Afghanistan, Pakistan will continue to be her strategic ally. I wonder how much Pakistan has conceded to get the word Kashmir mentioned in the joint statement.
India has never said that Kashmir is not disputed but the dispute is about Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan sponsored terror in Jammu & Kashmir. India also believes that any dispute between the two nations should be resolved through dialogues.

 

[CHD]

as usual you don't read other than the header.

apart from the headlines and your post there is no mention of dispute.

so much for Pakistan's claim

Did you even read the first two para's
"The United States and Pakistan have emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue and called on "all parties" in the region "to act with maximum restraint".

"The US and Pakistan emphasised the importance of meaningful dialogue in support of peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir," said a US-Pakistan joint statement, issued a day after the two countries concluded their sixth Strategic Dialogue."

 

[tarrar]

Illegally occupied Kashmir by the Indians is a disputed territory, there is nothing there to think of.

 

[Awesome Indian]

Illegally occupied Kashmir by the Indians is a disputed territory, there is nothing there to think of.

What about territory illegally occupied by Pakistan is it disputed too??

 

[kasper95]

Did you even read the first two para's
"The United States and Pakistan have emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue and called on "all parties" in the region "to act with maximum restraint".

"The US and Pakistan emphasised the importance of meaningful dialogue in support of peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir," said a US-Pakistan joint statement, issued a day after the two countries concluded their sixth Strategic Dialogue."

yes, I did and what has been said which has been not said before. even India wants to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully through dialogue, after all you have the part of the state.

 

[Razia Sultana]

Illegally occupied Kashmir by the Indians is a disputed territory, there is nothing there to think of.

India occupied J&K after it was duly acceded to Indian dominion. Its Pakistan who has illegally occupied the kashmir territories.

 

[CHD]

India occupied J&K after it was duly acceded to Indian dominion. Its Pakistan who has illegally occupied the kashmir territories.

Yes, just like how hyderabad was acceded to india too

 

[mkb95]

Pakistan, US for meaningful dialogue on Kashmir issue - Khaleej Times

Two countries reiterate commitment to strengthen ties after strategic dialogue.


The United States and Pakistan have emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue and called on "all parties" in the region "to act with maximum restraint".

"The US and Pakistan emphasised the importance of meaningful dialogue in support of peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir," said a US-Pakistan joint statement, issued a day after the two countries concluded their sixth Strategic Dialogue.

The two countries reiterated their commitment to further strengthen their multifaceted partnership as Washington expressed its continuing support for the Pakistani armed forces in their ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the tribal areas.

They noted the importance of US-Pakistan defence cooperation, which supports shared strategic objectives relating to counter-terrorism and regional stability.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and US Secretary of State John Kerry met on Tuesday to convene the meeting under the Strategic Dialogue Framework. The last ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue was held in Islamabad on January 13, 2015. This session built on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's successful visit to Washington in October 2015.

Both the United States and Pakistani delegations expressed their desire for the US-Pakistan bilateral security relationship to continue on a mutually beneficial and sustainable trajectory.

The United States expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces and civilians in these efforts.The Pakistani delegation expressed its appreciation for US support in bolstering Pakistan's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capacity.

Both sides underscored the importance of bilateral defence cooperation as serving their mutual interest and noted their willingness to explore new avenues to refine defence collaboration.

Pakistan expressed its appreciation for the pledge of $250 million announced by Secretary Kerry in 2015 for the relief, recovery and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons from the Fata. The United States continues to partner with Pakistan to reconstruct schools, hospitals, and infrastructure to restore communities in the Fata and assist in the return of people to their homes.

Noting the steps taken by Pakistan to date, including the detention of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Maulana Masood Azhar, the US appreciated Prime Minister Sharif's stated commitment to take prompt and decisive action on this investigation and to bring the perpetrators of the January 2, 2016 attack on the Pathankot air base to justice.

Both sides expressed their conviction that a robust, long-term bilateral relationship remains critical to regional and international security and prosperity. They agreed that a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan is an essential partner for the US in advancing these shared goals.

"As such, the United States and Pakistan have a shared and enduring interest in Pakistan's continued economic growth and prosperity, increased bilateral trade and investment, education and social development, respect for human rights and rule of law, regional stability, and ongoing collaboration on measures to counter violent extremism and combat terrorism," the statement added. The two reaffirmed the importance of the Strategic Dialogue, which provides vision and direction for this bilateral partnership, and reviewed progress made in its six working groups, which represent core areas of joint interest and cooperation.

The meeting also acknowledged the importance of sustaining cooperation on shared interests through US civilian assistance, in line with the intent of legislation known as the 'Kerry-Lugar-Berman' act.

@waz @WAJsal
isnt op lying.there is no such thing as usa recognising kashmir as disputed territory in original title and in the article.isnt changing title of the article against the rule?

 

[45'22']

So much for the the Indian claim that " KASHMIR " is no longer an disputed territory.

Only if you had read the article once


Btw.....India has always maintained the stance that Azad Kashmir is disputed and its a bilateral issue which needs to resolved via talks.
This is nothing new.

 

[Who.Cares]

@waz @WAJsal
isnt op lying.there is no such thing as usa recognising kashmir as disputed territory in original title and in the article.isnt changing title of the article against the rule?

@waz @WAJsal

First my article was from dawn sub heading but since there was no details there. I had to get other source and I can't change title once posted. That headline is from Dawn loved by Indians.


Pakistan pledges to work for easing tension in South Asia

WASHINGTON: Pakistan remains committed to lessening the risk of an armed conflict in South Asia, says a joint statement issued after the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.

The document also underlines Washington’s recognition of Kashmir as a dispute that needs to be resolved peacefully.

“Pakistan affirmed that it remains committed to pursuing measures aimed at building confidence and lessening the risk of armed conflict,” said the statement issued on Tuesday evening, a day after the talks concluded.

“The United States and Pakistan emphasised the importance of meaningful dialogue in support of peaceful resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir,” it added.

The chapter on “fostering strategic stability” deals with preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery to states as well as non-state actors.

It rebinds Pakistan to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, which requires all member states to enforce appropriate and effective measures against proliferation.

In the joint statement, the US acknowledged Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to harmonise its strategic trade controls with those of the multilateral export control regimes.

The US praised Pakistan for its proactive engagement with the international community, including through its hosting of IAEA training activities at its Nuclear Security Centre of Excellence and its active participation in the Nuclear Security Summits. The US also appreciated Pakistan’s commitment, in principle, to ratify the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

“Both sides recognised the shared interest in strategic stability in South Asia and in pursuing increased transparency.”

Regional cooperation

In the chapter on “regional cooperation,” Washington welcomed Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.

“The two sides underscored the imperative of quickly catalysing direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban to end the bloodshed and preserve Afghanistan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

Joint statement issued after strategic dialogue with US; Kashmir recognised as a dispute
Secretary of State John Kerry, who led the US team at the dialogue, welcomed Pakistan’s calls on the Taliban to seek a negotiated settlement to end the Afghan conflict and its constructive role in establishing and hosting the Quadrilateral Coordination Group.

The two countries agreed that all members of the group ‘will intensify their efforts to forge broader regional consensus” in support of the Afghan-led reconciliation process as the best way to bring peace and stability to the region.

While emphasising the need for peaceful resolution of outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, the delegations urged both to “continuously act with maximum restraint and work collaboratively towards reducing tensions”.

The US noted that Pakistan had detained Jaish-e-Muhammad leader Maulana Masood Azhar, and commended its commitment to bring the perpetrators of the Jan 2 attack on the Pathankot airbase to justice.

The chapter on “countering terrorism” emphasised the need for effective action against all violent extremists, “specifically underscoring that no country’s territory should be used to destabilise other countries”.

Adviser Sartaj Aziz, who led the Pakistani delegation at the talks, affirmed Pakistan’s resolve to take effective action against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Al Qaeda, the Haqqani network, and Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates. The US and Pakistan also committed to “eliminate the threats posed by violent extremism and terrorism.”

The two sides emphasised the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s capabilities to more effectively counter the use of improvised explosive devices.

The chapter on “defence and security cooperation” expressed the desire for the US-Pakistan bilateral security relationship to continue on a mutually beneficial and sustainable trajectory.

“The United States reiterated its continuing support for the armed forces of Pakistan in their ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Fata and disruption of militant networks.”

The two countries underscored the importance of bilateral defence cooperation as “serving their mutual interest and noted their willingness to explore new avenues to refine defence collaboration”.

They noted the challenges of enabling the return of internally displaced persons to Fata in the wake of operations.

Acknowledging the emerging terrorist threat posed by the militant Islamic State group in the region, the US and Pakistan agreed to work closely together to counter it, and affirmed their commitment to combat the extremist ideology that fuels such groups.

Talking to reporters, Mr Aziz said Pakistan would not accept any unilateral curb on its ‘dynamic’ nuclear program.

He cited a “strategic and conventional imbalance with India” as the main cause for Pakistan’s pursuit for nuclear deterrence, but also emphasised the need for staying engaged with India for reducing tensions in the region.

He said the Pakistani and Indian prime ministers might meet on the sidelines of a nuclear summit being held here later this month.

“No unilateral action. If India’s capacity changes, we will have to follow. That’s what effective deterrence is,” Mr Aziz told a Tuesday evening news briefing at the Pakistan Embassy.

He rejected India’s claim that Pakistani agencies were involved in the Jan 2 terrorist attack on an airbase in Pathankot as a “globally incorrect statement”.

Mr Aziz countered the Indian allegation with a claim that “Indian state actors are involved in stirring troubles in Balochistan, Karachi and Fata.”

At two earlier meetings with the Defence Writers Group and at a think-tank, he disagreed with Secretary of State Kerry’s call to reduce or cap Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

He rejected the suggestion that non-state actors could access Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons.

“In terms of the safety and security of nuclear weapons command and control system, we have made outstanding progress,” he said. “Globally all the international agencies and the US have acknowledged that Pakistan has developed a very good system for the safety for export control, and command and control system.”

At the Council on Foreign Relations, Mr Aziz also explained Pakistan’s concept of nuclear deterrence.

“Our nuclear capacity is a deterrent against Indian capacity. Deterrent is not a static concept. It is a dynamic concept. If your adversary goes on expanding its capacity, then you have to respond. It is not something that you can take for granted.

“We keep insisting in our relationship that India is the independent variable in this. We are the dependent variable. So if India were to restrain and US would not increase its strategic and conventional imbalance between the two countries, then our task would become easier,” he said.

Mr Aziz explained that in conventional terms, the imbalance with India had increased phenomenally.

“In 1990s our defence budget was $3.5 billion and India’s was $11bn. We have moved from $3.5bn to $7.5bn. India has moved from $11bn to $50bn. So it makes our task much more difficult,” he said.

He also explained that while Pakistan had no problem with the increasing closeness between the US and India, it did want the Americans not to allow this conventional imbalance to widen further.

“This is our complaint with them that you are welcome to develop your relationship with India the best way you can, but keep in mind that you do not increase this imbalance between the two countries, or contribute to creating the atmosphere so that we don’t need all these things,” Mr Aziz said.

While talking to the Pakistani media, the adviser said Pakistan had concrete policy for dealing with various terrorist groups.

“It is not a one fits all policy. Our action against the TTP is different from our action against the Haqqani network or the Lashkar,” he said. “But we are committed to act against all those who have been sanctioned by the UN. This strategy has been framed in accordance with our capacity, keeping in mind our strength as well as our limitations,” he added.

Mr Aziz said the US and Pakistan were redefining their defence collaboration, moving from “an item by item approach to a medium-term framework.”

He said US officials had assured their Pakistani counterparts that the contentious F-16 deal would be finalised and Pakistan would get the aircraft.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2016