In this connection, he elaborated on some recent developments, including the opening of the Taliban office in Doha, developments within Afghanistan, and the overall situation in the region. The Prime Minister conveyed to Ambassador Dobbins that Pakistan had the highest stakes in the return of peace and stability to Afghanistan. He assured Dobbins of Pakistan's full commitment to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and highlighted various steps Pakistan had taken in the regard. Noting that the situation in Afghanistan had reached a crucial phase as the US proceeds with its drawdown, the Prime Minister stressed the need for Pakistan and the United States to remain closely engaged.
According to a spokesperson of the US Embassy here, Ambassador Dobbins met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Secretary Jalil Jilani, and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
"Ambassador Dobbins and his interlocutors discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process," the spokesperson said, adding Ambassador Dobbins expressed great appreciation for the role Pakistan has played in supporting and helping to advance the process. Ambassador Dobbins reiterated the United States' commitment to working with the new democratically-elected government of Pakistan to build a strong, mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.