Pakistan, US officials discuss Afghan peace process

Pakistani Premier's National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser, Sartaj Aziz, met USSpecial Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador James Dobbins to discuss Afghan peace process, said an official press release. According to the Foreign Office press release, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest. The developments relating to the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, and matters pertaining to 2014 and beyond were discussed, it added, and the two men emphasized on importance of accelerated progress in the Afghan reconciliation process. Aziz also underscored to Ambassador Dobbins how drone attacks were counter-productive and reiterated the call to the US to review its policy, which has a negative impact on the government's efforts to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region, said the press release. The Adviser underlined the need for early convening of US-Pakistan Working Groups on Law Enforcement and Counter Terrorism and Economy and Finance before the next round of Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue expected in March 2014, the release added. Earlier, Pakistan and Afghanistan reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and continue efforts to eliminate terrorism faced by both the countries during the recent visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Afghanistan. Sharif had one-on-one and delegation level talks with the Afghan President, Hamid Karzai and ensured that Pakistan would continue to extend all possible support for the betterment of Afghan people