Pak-U.S. strategic dialogue unlikely to recommence this year

Islamabad, Aug 24 (ANI): The strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States is unlikely to resume this year, as both countries are yet to work out a schedule, and Washington hasn't shown enthusiasm about an early resumption of the talks.

The working groups of the two countries pertaining to various areas of cooperation could go into session next month around the bilateral visit of Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to Washington just before the commencement of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) annual session at the UN headquarters, reports The News.

According to diplomatic sources, the question of resumption of strategic dialogue during the next month has been ruled out that had been extensively speculated by the media in Pakistan and in the West.

However, Foreign Secretary Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani is of the view that strategic talks between Pakistan and U.S. would be possible somewhere in November this year.

The two countries have agreed in principal to hold working groups' meetings but the number of the groups which was previously 11 has been reduced to three and it could become four.

The meetings of the groups would be possible next month when Khar will leave for Washington to undertake bilateral visit of the U.S. on September 16. (ANI)