Top American diplomat Rex Tillerson had a series of meetings with Pakistani leaders to seek stronger action against the Afghan militant groups as the United States pursues a new policy to address troubles plaguing landlocked Afghanistan on Pakistan’s western border.
The U.S. Secretary of State had underscored before his arrival in the country that Washington wants specific Pakistani action against the Afghan Taliban. According to a report, Tillerson says U.S. sees role for moderate Afghan Taliban in reconciliation for the conflict-ridden country.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the “war on terror” during a meeting with Tillerson on Tuesday, saying his country had “produced results” fighting the extremists, according to media reports.
Relations between the two countries recent years have been tense as the United States sees overlooking or colluIding with the Afghan
Taliban and Haqqani network militants that are viewed as a major force behind the Taliban insurgency.
Islamabad has its own set of grievances, particularly the presence of anti-Pakistan militants including the TTP leaders on the Afghan soil and the U.S. plans to give its rival India a greater say in the Afghan affairs.
Tillerson’s visit takes place after President Donald Trump unveiled his administration’s new Afghan policy, which irked Islamabab with allegations of complicity with the Afghan Taliban.
However, in recent weeks the countries have taken some steps to assuage mutual concerens.
In Islamabad, Tillerson met with Abbasi, as well as Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
“We are committed in the war against terror,” PM Abbasi told Tillerson according to a statement.
Pakistan, Abbasi said, has “produced results. And we are looking forward to moving ahead with the U.S. and building a tremendous relationship.”
Tillerson told the Pakistani delegation that Pakistan was an important U.S. ally in the region.
“(Pakistan is) important regionally to our joint goals of providing peace and security to the region and providing opportunity for greater economic relationship as well,” Tillerson said.
