Pak, US NSAs gather in Geneva for critical discussions

The national security advisers (NSAs) of Pakistan and the United States met in Geneva on Sunday, the first high-level face-to-face interaction since the Biden administration took office.

According to NSA headquarters, “The national security advisers (NSAs) of Pakistan and the United States met in Geneva yesterday. Both parties had a productive discourse on a variety of bilateral, regional, and global matters of mutual concern. They also agreed to advance practical collaboration on these vital matters.

Given the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, the meeting between Pakistani National Security Advisor Dr. Moeed Yusuf and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan is critical. In this regard, many diplomats believe that this event will determine the future of Pakistan-US cooperation.

The two parties have remained tight-lipped about the meeting. Furthermore, there has been no explanation as to why they chose a third country for the encounter.

According to diplomatic sources, a joint statement from the meeting will release later today (Monday).
Recently, Moeed has appointed as the NSA by the government, which had abolished the position after taking power.

The conference appears to be prompted by the present situation in Afghanistan, which has reached a standstill following minimal progress in intra-Afghan discussions.

The withdrawal of US forces has heightened tensions, and Washington, along with other regional governments, is eager to reach a political agreement before the last US soldier departs the war-torn nation on September 11.

Pakistan prioritizes improving the broader bilateral relationship in addition to bringing peace to Afghanistan.
The NSA reported having been to Geneva with a brief outlining the country’s strategy for expanding relationships with the US beyond Afghanistan.

Pakistan is certain that its relationship with the US did not base on security. Also, Washington should not regard Islamabad through the same prism that it does in China or India.