White house official meets with Pakistani counterpart

U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice hosted Pakistani National Security and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz Tuesday, the White House said Wednesday. “During the meeting, they reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Pakistan relationship and advancing shared interests in a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan,” the White House said in a statement. “They discussed ways to increase the effectiveness of counterterrorism cooperation, and reiterated the importance of combating extremism and promoting peace and stability throughout the region.” “They also reiterated their support for an Afghan-led peace process and acknowledged the importance of advancing Afghan peace and reconciliation. They discussed ways to deepen and enhance the U.S.-Pakistan partnership based on the common recognition that this partnership is vital to regional and international security and discussed their countries’ shared dedication to nuclear security,” the statement said. “The United States will continue to work with the Government of Pakistan to advance development, promote security, and help create lasting peace and prosperity for all Pakistanis,” the White House said.