U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice met in Islamabad with Pakistan’s prime minister and other top officials to discuss terrorism and other issues.

Ahead of the talks, U.S. State Department officials said the meetings would include discussions on “terrorist and militant attacks emanating from Pakistani soil.”

After Rice met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday in Islamabad, the Pakistani leader’s office said little about the content of the talks, noting that they focused on matters of bilateral interest and the future of Pakistan-U.S. relations.

Rice also visited Pakistan’s military headquarters in Rawalpindi where she spoke with Pakistan’s military chief General Raheel Sharif.

Pakistan’s military said the spokes about  “matters of mutual interest, including security situation in the region.”

It said Rice acknowledged Pakistan’s “sincere efforts and sacrifices” in the war against terrorism. The military also said Rice and Sharif recognized the need for coordination to ensure peace and stability in the region and Afghanistan.

Rice also held delegation-level talks with Sharif’s adviser on national security and foreign policy, Sartaj Aziz.

Pakistan, India tensions

Ahead of Sunday’s talks the U.S. State Department said Rice was likely to discuss Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan’s effort to negotiate peace with the Taliban and the recent rise in tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

VOA’s Ayaz Gul reports Pakistani officials said they would emphasize during the meetings with Rice that direct meetings between the Kabul government and the Taliban must resume quickly.

Rice arrived in Islamabad late Saturday for the previously unannounced visit.

Rice’s talks also are believed to involve the agenda for Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to Washington.

Pakistani officials have spoken of Sharif’s travel plans privately, but there has been no announcement by the U.S. side.

Ayaz Gul contributed to this report from Islamabad. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Bangladesh