Clinton arrives in Islamabad to allay ‘misunderstandings’ between both nations
October 28th, 2009 - 1:04 pm ICT by ANI
Washington, Oct.28 (ANI): US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived here early on Wednesday on a three-day visit, which she described as a very important tour to allay all misunderstandings between both countries.
This is Clinton’s first visit to the country since taking charge in the Obama Administration.
Talking to mediapersons on-board the special aircraft en route to Islamabad, Clinton said it was imperative to resolve all issues between the two countries and broaden the agenda for cooperation.
She underlined that the security issue was one of the most important issues.
“We hold that to be very important. It remains a very high priority. But we also recognize that it’s imperative that we broaden our agenda with Pakistan,” The Politico quoted Clinton, as saying.
“I think it’s fair to say there has been a lot of misconceptions about what the United States intends with our relationship with Pakistan. We don’t want it just to be about security and just about our anti-terrorist agenda. …we want to strengthen democracy, we want to strengthen civilian institutions,” she added.
Clinton is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani during her tour.
Clinton’s visit comes at a time when anti-American sentiments in Pakistan are at an all time high, and the top US diplomat would surely work to allay those negative perceptions.
The ongoing dispute over the Kerry-Lugar legislation and the Army’s reservations regarding it will also be part of Clinton’s discussions with the Pakistani leadership during her tour.
Diplomatic sources said Clinton would try to assure various stakeholders that the US has no intentions of micromanaging Pakistan or enforcing unnecessary restrictions that could harm long-term relations.
Pakistan’s concern over India’s involvement in Afghanistan and Balochistan is also likely to be taken up with Clinton. (ANI)
Related Stories
- Clinton arriving in Pak on her most important 'people-to-people trip': Holbrooke - Oct 26, 2009
- Clinton to visit Pak soon to strengthen bilateral ties - Oct 24, 2009
- Clinton to visit Pak soon to strengthen bilateral ties - Oct 24, 2009
- Hillary Clinton 'loses it' with Pak in Lahore - Oct 30, 2009
- Kerry Lugar Bill a 'milestone', critics should read it first: Clinton - Oct 07, 2009
- Advance of extremism in AFPAK region threatens US security: Clinton - Oct 29, 2009
- Hard to believe Pak has no idea about Al-Qaeda whereabouts: Clinton - Oct 30, 2009
- Tough talks were necessary to 'clear the air' with Pakistan: Clinton - Oct 31, 2009
- US keeping close watch on Pakistan's n-programme - Oct 22, 2009
- Justice for Mumbai terror attacks essential: Clinton - Jul 18, 2009
- Clinton for deepening strategic ties with India (Roundup) - Jul 18, 2009
- Clinton seeks to allay Pakistan's fears on India trip - Jul 18, 2009
- Pak must do more against extremists groups like Lashkar : Clinton - Dec 13, 2009
- Clinton, Lavrov agree to defer sanctions against Iran (Lead) - Oct 13, 2009
- Clinton warns Pak over horrors of its nukes falling into terrorists' hands - Oct 28, 2009
- army staff
- asif ali zardari
- chief of army
- civilian institutions
- diplomatic sources
- gilani
- high priority
- hillary clinton
- islamabad
- kayani
- mehmood
- micromanaging
- misconceptions
- misunderstandings
- negative perceptions
- qureshi
- security issue
- unnecessary restrictions
- us secretary of state
- yousuf
Posted in South Asia, |







