US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass today held delegation-level talks with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch in Islamabad today.

The two sides held wide ranging discussions on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including progress on the existing dialogue mechanisms on trade, energy, security, health, climate change and counter-terrorism.

The Foreign Secretary noted the importance attached by Pakistan to its relations with the United States. She underlined the need to upgrade the bilateral mechanisms, especially in the economic and defence fields, and working towards building a broad based and meaningful bilateral relationship.

The Under Secretary Bass thanked the Foreign Secretary for the opportunity to engage substantively on issues of mutual interest. He said the US desires to partner with Pakistan in its efforts to strengthen and stabilize the economy. He expressed appreciation for the resilience shown by Pakistan in the face of recent challenges like floods and terrorist attacks.

Under Secretary Bass also paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.