ISLAMABAD: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells is all set to return to the United States of America after completing her trip to this capital city of Pakistan from April 29 to 30, which she made to review key items on the United States of America and Pakistan’s bilateral agenda and to discuss regional security, including joint efforts to advance the Afghan peace process.
Ambassador Wells met with the Finance Adviser to the Prime Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, Additional Secretary for Interior Tariq Sardar, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Hayat.
She began her visit with a joint meeting with U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and an interagency delegation comprised of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani military. Ambassador Wells and Ambassador Khalilzad also met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa.
Ambassador Wells underscored the importance of all actors in the region takings steps to advance security, stability, and cooperation in South Asia. She also discussed opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Pakistan, and explored other areas for growth in our bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Wells also met think tank representatives and political leaders from various political parties. She highlighted the United States’ commitment to work collaboratively to advance the shared goals of the American and Pakistani people. —PR