Mr. Yusuf, who was appointed as the National Security Advisor (NSA) this month, met Mr. Sullivan on Sunday in Geneva. Breaking from the past practice, Mr. Yusuf presented the Pakistani plan, seeking bilateral cooperation with the U.S. not based on security and defence but economy, trade and business. This is seen as a clear departure from the earlier approach adopted by Pakistan and the U.S. that largely focussed on security cooperation with Afghanistan. Sources said Moeed went to Geneva with a ‘blueprint’ envisaging Pakistan’s desire to broaden its relationship with the U.S. beyond security cooperation and Afghanistan, according to the report. Also, close ties between Pakistan and China can be a major factor that may desist the U.S. from seeking broader engagement with Pakistan,” the report said.

Source: The Hindu May 26, 2021 08:46 UTC