No nuclear deal for Pak, says US
US has "categorically ruled out" any negotiations with Pakistan on an India-type civil nuclear deal. In his talks with Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif, US President Barack Obama urged Pakistan to avoid developments in its nuclear weapons programme that could increase risks and instability. With tensions high between Pakistan and India, US has been concerned about Pakistan's development of new nuclear weapons systems.
During her visit to Islamabad in August 2015, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice delivered an invitation from US President Barack Obama for Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to visit the US in October.
US President Barack Obama held talks with the visiting Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif. The meeting at the Oval Office of the White House was their second bilateral meeting after the last round of talks in 2013. The meeting highlighted wide range of issues including economic growth, trade and investment, clean energy, global health, climate change, nuclear security, counter-terrorism and regional stability.
After concluding the bilateral talks, the leaders of US and Pakistan issued a joint statement which called for a resilient US - Pakistan partnership. The joint Statement also highlighted a "sustained and resilient" Indo-Pak dialogue process to resolve all outstanding issues. Key issues of the statement include regional security, counter terrorism, defense cooperation, nuclear talks, energy and climate change etc.
President Obama reaffirmed the US commitment to strong cooperation in the energy sector. Obama expressed support for Pakistan's efforts to secure funding for Diamer Bhasha and Dasu dams to help meet Pakistan's energy and water needs. An endorsement by US could be a setback for India as it opposed the construction of hydro-electric projects in the disputed region of Kashmir - PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Diamer Bhasha and Dasu dams construction undetaken by Pakistan are located in Pakistan occupied Kashimir (PoK). In 2013, prospective investors- ADB, China and Russia - had asked Pakistan to obtain an NOC (No objection certificate) from India before they could proceed on loans for Diamer Bhasha dam.
Pakistan's relationship with India is critical to Islamabad's future, the US said as it emphasised on normalisation of ties between the two countries. The two leaders underlined that improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would "greatly enhance" prospects for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. During his talks, Obama also sought Pakistan's help in getting the Afghan Taliban back to peace talks.
In the joint statement, Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif promised action against all terrorist networks, including the Haqqani Network and the Lashkar-e-Taiba. He also reaffirmed that Pakistan's territory will not be used against any other country.
