Kerry meets Sharif, discusses ties with India

US Secretary of State John Kerry today met Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Hague on the sidelines of a global summit, during which they discussed bilateral and regional issues including Indo-Pak ties for enhanced prosperity and stability in the region.
"They (Kerry and Sharif) discussed the potential for enhanced stability and prosperity that improved bilateral relations between Pakistan and India could bring to the region," a senior state department official said following the meeting between Kerry and Sharif.
Kerry is accompanying US President Barack Obama for the Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands which is being attended by several heads of state including the Pakistani premier.

Requesting anonymity, the state department official said Kerry and Sharif discussed the vital interest of both the countries in a peaceful and prosperous region, and reaffirmed that a stable, independent, and unified Afghanistan is in the interest of the region.
"They emphasised their support for a policy of non-interference in Afghanistan, including by all countries of the region, and reaffirmed their commitment to an Afghan-led reconciliation process," the official said.
He said they discussed their shared common interest in combating terrorism, and the continuing efforts to take action against extremist groups that threaten both countries and the region.
During the bilateral meeting, Kerry and Sharif discussed the broad scope of "our shared national security priorities" including efforts to stem the tide of extremism, combat terrorism, strengthen economic ties, and promote nuclear security, the official said.

"They talked about Pakistan's engagement with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues and the ongoing regular discussions about these issues, through the Security, Strategic Stability and Nonproliferation Working Group, which met most recently in Islamabad in November 2013," the state department official said.