March 24 2010
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has described the Pak-US strategic dialogue as a milestone to strengthen the mutual trust between the two countries in an interview to a private TV channel televised on March 23rd. The US Secretary of State asserted that, “this strategic dialogue is at the highest level that we ever had between the two countries and we are very committed to it.” She maintained that the new US administration want a deep and broad relationship with Pakistan.
Regarding the Pak-US strategic dialogue talks, she said that she “can’t pre-judge or pre-empt what the outcome of discussion would be but whole range of issues would be covered in this dialogue.”
She emphasised that overnight results of such strategic discussions would not be possible and pointed out that the US-India nuclear deal was preceded by many years of strategic talks. However, she did say that the next session of talks would take place in Islamabad: “We will be moving forward to have our next session in future in Islamabad.”
With regard to Pakistan’s acute energy problems, she said, “We are certainly looking at it as how to help Pakistan with its long terms energy needs.”
With reference to the delayed deployment of funds to Pakistan under the Kerry Lugar Bill, the US Secretary of State assured that delivery of funds was underway. Recognizing Pakistan’s current financial challenges, she said, “The US administration is well aware of Pakistan’s financial challenges and it will do every thing to expedite the money flow for investment in agriculture, energy and security sectors besides many other areas.” She also spoke of the prospect of building greater market access for Pakistan.
