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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
February 2, 1999

Pakistan-U.S. Talks

The following joint statement was issued on February 2 in Islamabad at the conclusion of talks between Deputy Secretary of State Talbott and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Mr. Shamshad Ahmad.

The eighth round of Pakistan-U.S. dialogue on South Asian security and non-proliferation was held on February 1-2, 1999. The respective delegations were led by the Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Mr. Shamshad Ahmad, and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Strobe Talbott. The talks were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere.

Mr. Strobe Talbott also called on the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

It was recalled that this round of talks was held following Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Washington last December which had resulted in a reaffirmation of a desire by Pakistan and the U.S. to build a strong broad-based relationship. In this context, Deputy Secretary of State Talbott emphasized the continued U.S. support to strengthen Pakistan's economy and the improvement of the climate for larger trade and investment. Pakistan expressed appreciation for the positive support extended by the United States for the IMF and World Bank assistance packages for Pakistan.

The security situation in South Asia was reviewed particularly in the context of the agenda of the talks. Both sides shared the view that they should make further efforts for the promotion of durable peace and stability in the region. The U.S. expressed its strong support for the current talks between Pakistan and India, including on Kashmir. Pakistan urged the U.S. to play a more active role toward the solution of the Kashmir dispute.

The two sides considered further steps to advance the objectives of the Pakistan-U.S. dialogue. They agreed to hold further expert level meetings on export controls and strategic restraint in March/April. The two sides agreed to remain in close touch during the negotiations of FMCT in the Conference on Disarmament. Pakistan reiterated its position on the CTBT as enunciated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his address to the UNGA.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-U.S. relations.

The next round of the dialogue will be held before the middle of the year, with the dates and venue to be determined in consultation between the two sides.

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