Sharif discusses regional issues with US NSA

Islamabad wants to hold a meaningful and objective dialogue on all outstanding issues with New Delhi, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told US National Security Advisor Susan Rice here on Sunday, media reported.

Sharif also took Rice into confidence regarding the prevailing security situation in the region, particularly relations with India and Afghanistan, Dawn reported.

Rice is on a day-long visit to Pakistan to meet the top political and military leadership of the country.

Sharif said the US was an important partner of Pakistan in all areas especially economy, defence and counter-terrorism.

He said Pakistan sees its relations with the US as a partnership which is in the interest of the two countries, the region and the world.

The prime minister said he was looking forward to his visit to the US in October this year as an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Rice underscored the importance of strong Pakistan-US relations. She noted the positive direction of ongoing cooperation between the two countries especially in the areas of defence, economy and energy sectors.