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NATO for expanded ties with Pakistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 20,IRNA -- A top official of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Thursday vowed to broaden relationship with Pakistan and not limit it to military cooperation alone.

“Pakistan is NATO’s valued partner and our common challenge is war in Afghanistan,” Deputy Assistant Secretary General NATO, Robert Simmons said in Islamabad.

Speaking at a public talk at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on “NATO’s Transition and its Relation with Pakistan,” Mr. Simmons emphasized that NATO does not want to limit to high level dialogue with Pakistan but also to have practical cooperation by making use of the instrument of Individual Cooperation Programme to cover civilian and military affairs.

He said that there is need to cooperate in public diplomacy so that Pakistan can be informed by NATO’s changes. “NATO is also trying to reach out its arms to be informed about the situations in Pakistan like distinguishing tribal leaders from Taliban”.

He said NATO encourages Pakistan participation in Arms Control and Non Proliferation issues, adding NATO is happy with the partnership with Pakistan.

Mr. Simmons said that NATO had dialogue covering a range of security issues, adding NATO gives tribute to Pakistan Military for their role in fighting terrorism in their own country that will lead to regional stability.

He also highlighted common challenges that confront NATO partners including proliferation, WMD’s not falling into the hands of non-state actors, terrorism and extremism, regional and ethnic conflicts, failed states, vulnerabilities of cyber system, environmental and climatic issues.

Talking about Afghanistan Mr. Simmons said that it’s a difficult operation and “we are committed to a long-term approach”.

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End News / IRNA / News Code 1127758