'Strong US-Pakistan ties critical for regional stability'

Strong ties between the US and Pakistan are critical for stability in the AfPak region, US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said Wednesday.

Addressing students at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Olson emphasised the importance of cooperation between the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan, a Dawn report said.

"One of the most critical ingredients for achieving regional stability and prosperity is creating a peaceful and stable future for Afghanistan," Olson said.

"An increasingly stable Afghanistan that is at peace and enjoys productive relations with its neighbours will be an effective counter-weight against extremism," the envoy remarked.

"A stable Afghanistan is also conducive to economic development in South and Central Asia," he added.

The ambassador spoke about the Declaration of Enduring Partnership signed between Afghanistan and the NATO in 2010 to provide long-term security, and economic and political support to Afghanistan.

The US envoy encouraged Pakistan to continue its efforts to strengthen relations with Afghanistan.

"There is much work to be done together on important issues, such as security, trade and economic ties, reconstruction and rehabilitation, and regional cooperation," he said.

The US and Pakistan have to "set future events on a positive course and seize the opportunity for a brighter future in Afghanistan", he added.

Olson reaffirmed the US's commitment to Pakistan and the region, saying: "The US will remain engaged; we see our role in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region as one of a sustained commitment that is in our own security interest as well as that of the countries of the region."