Joint Statement Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue

Joint Statement
Director of Press Relations
Islamabad, Pakistan
September 12, 2007

Joint Statement Pakistan-United States Strategic Dialogue

The second session of the Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue was held in Islamabad on 12 September. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary, and Mr. John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State, co-chaired the Dialogue. Presidents Musharraf and Bush established the Strategic Dialogue during President Bush's March 2006 visit to Pakistan.

The two sides reiterated the determination of President Pervez Musharraf and President George W. Bush to strengthen the foundation for a strong, stable and enduring relationship. During the second session, the two sides reviewed progress since the inaugural round of the Strategic Dialogue, which was held in Washington on 27 April 2006. They noted that cooperation in the areas of education, economy, energy, and science & technology resulted in concrete projects that benefit the people of Pakistan and the United States. Both sides agreed to accelerate this process.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the increasing bilateral cooperation on education. U.S. Agency for International Development Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator Mark Ward and Pakistan's Joint Educational Advisor, Dr. Fayyaz Ahmed, reviewed current programs and discussed future cooperation on primary and higher education. USAID plans a $90 million, five-year program designed in close consultation with Pakistan's Ministry of Education to assist and expand public school education in Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Sindh, and Islamabad. Pakistan also noted the benefits to higher education of the U.S. Fulbright academic exchange program, the largest such program in the world, which will send 750 scholars to the U.S. for study and research over a five-year period. Forty-nine grantees have already completed their master's degree programs and have returned to contribute to their fields of specialization in Pakistan

On science & technology, both countries noted with satisfaction increased cooperation and exchange of scientists. Bilateral cooperation under the aegis of the 16 working groups is on-going on water quality and conservation, seismology, quake-proof architecture, broad-band Internet connectivity with United States universities, advanced agricultural applications, and bio-safety. Pakistan and the U.S. expect these activities to expand as more working groups engage in dialogue.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan's growing energy needs due to its growing economy and detailed Pakistan's plans for development of its energy sector. The U.S. noted that $1.4 million in feasibility studies for Pakistan's energy sector had been signed in August 2007 and that wind and solar maps to develop Pakistan's wind and solar sector had been developed. Both countries look forward to the next Energy Dialogue meeting in Washington later this year.

On economic growth, the U.S. is seeking Congressional support for the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs). Both sides recognized that this initiative has the potential to promote economic development in the designated areas. The U.S. noted that President Musharraf had
signed an anti-money laundering ordinance. The Pakistan side expressed its appreciation of the U.S. commitment to provide $750 million over five years in support of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas Development Plan.

The two sides noted increasing bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to shared security goals to promote regional and international peace, stability, and security. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to assist Pakistan meet its legitimate defense needs and bolster its anti-terrorism capabilities. The two sides discussed ways for to increase the capacity of the Frontier Corps and looked forward to the next round of the U.S.-Pakistan Defense Consultative Group on 6 November in Islamabad.

Both sides reaffirmed their condemnation of terrorism in all forms. The Deputy Secretary of State expressed U.S. appreciation for Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in counter-terrorism and extremism. The two sides discussed ways to enhance intelligence-sharing to support their mutual goal of combating terrorism. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Pakistan's determination not to allow anyone to use its territory for terrorist activity and emphasized that any counter-terrorism action to be taken inside Pakistani territory would be taken by Pakistani forces. The two sides reiterated their commitment to contribute to efforts to prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

The Foreign Secretary briefed on the Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue process and efforts for the resolution of disputes between Pakistan and India. The Deputy Secretary of State underscored continuing support for the India-Pakistan peace process and reaffirmed U.S. support for a Kashmir solution acceptable to all sides.

The Pakistan side reiterated its vital stake in a strong and stable Afghanistan. The two sides expressed their commitment to continue to support stability in Afghanistan. In this context, they welcomed the outcome of the joint Pakistan-Afghanistan peace jirga and pledged to work together on next steps, including facilitation of transit trade.

Both sides also noted the successful trilateral meeting that was held yesterday in Kabul between Pakistan's National Security Advisor Mr. Tariq Aziz and Afghanistan's National Security Advisor Dr. Zalmai Rassoul and the Deputy Secretary of State. During that meeting, Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against terrorism, and specifically Al Qaeda. They reaffirmed their commitment to the jirga process, noting that they would soon name participants for the jirga committee that will oversee implementation of the joint peace jirga's recommendations. They also reaffirmed their joint commitment to development on both sides of the border. Both sides agreed that they would meet again.

The two sides also exchanged views on Central Asia, Iran, Iraq, the Middle East peace process, and other regional and global issues.

The Deputy Secretary of State invited the Foreign Secretary to visit Washington, D.C., for the next round of the Strategic Dialogue.

Released by U.S. Embassy Islamabad

ENDS

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