Pence, Abbasi Discuss Afghanistan
The Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had an unscheduled meeting with US Vice President Michael Pence on Friday and their talks focused on finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan, according to Pakistani officials.
The Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had an unscheduled meeting with US Vice President Michael Pence on Friday and their talks focused on finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan, according to Pakistani officials.
The meeting took place at the vice president’s residence at the US Naval Observatory, which is close to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington. The meeting was held on Pakistan’s request.
Both sides “explained their perspectives” on Afghanistan. The prime minister assured Mr. Pence of Pakistan’s “sincere commitment” to efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
According to Dawn, Michael Cutrone, special adviser to Vice President Pence for South Asian Affairs, attended the meeting as a note-taker and no US or Pakistani official accompanied the two leaders at this meeting.
Pakistani PM also had a meeting with Congressman Ted Yoho, chairman of the House Committee on Asia and the Pacific, and its ranking Democrat, Congressman Brad Sherman.
Like Mr Pence, the US lawmakers also focused on the current situation in Afghanistan but they expressed “their concern about China’s growing influence in Pakistan” as well.
