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CE hopes Pak-US cooperation to continue

ISLAMABAD: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday evening expressed the hope that Pakistan and the United States "will continue their cooperation in the future."

The CE said this during a call on by the visiting US Senator Sam Brownback, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Near East and South Asia of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, according to an official statement.

On the occasion, Senator Brownback underlined the importance of Pakistan-US relations and Pakistan's role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Sharing his views with regard to Pak-US relations, the Chief Executive appreciated the role played by Senator Brownback in his "consistent support" for Pakistan in the Congress.

The Chief Executive also briefed the Senator on the government's plans for restoration of democracy and for revival of the economy.

Discussions were also held on regional issues of common concern, including Afghanistan, Pakistan-India relations and Kashmir, official sources stated.

General Musharraf emphasised the need for just solution of the Kashmir issue, "which will promote peace and stability in the region."

Earlier, Senator Brownback held a meeting with Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar "in which the security situation in South Asia was reviewed at length."

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan was opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and assured him of Pakistan's full cooperation in this regard.

"Ways to further enhance Pakistan-US cooperation in various areas of mutual interest were also discussed," the sources said.

During Senator Brownback's meeting with Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, he was briefed on the economic agenda of the government.

The US Senator will meet the Interior Minister on January 17.

He will also visit the Khyber Pass during his stay in Pakistan. APP