US asks Pak to prevent terrorists from using its territory as safe havens

The United States has asked Pakistan to prevent all terrorists from using its territory as safe havens, while also stressing the need for restraint in nuclear weapons programs.

The remarks were made by Secretary of State John Kerry as he met Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss their bilateral partnership and to build upon the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

"The Secretary reiterated the need for Pakistan to prevent all terrorists from using Pakistani territory as safe havens, while commending recent efforts by Pakistani security forces to counter extremist violence," Kirby said.

The statement said that Sharif and Kerry expressed strong concern with recent violence in Kashmir -particularly the attack on an army base camp in India's Uri sector on Sunday in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed and over 20 others injured.

"Secretary Kerry expressed strong concern with recent violence in Kashmir -- particularly the army base attack -- and the need for all sides to reduce tensions," the statement added.

Both sides also discussed regional issues including the recent developments with regard to Afghanistan.

The statement added that Kerry also praised Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees for over 40 years and highlighted the importance of continued respect for humanitarian principles.

Kerry also commended Sharif for restoring macroeconomic stability to Pakistan over the last three years and expressed appreciation for Islamabad's cooperation on climate change priorities, the statement said.