US, Pakistan Set for Second Day of Talks

Top U.S. and Pakistani officials are set to meet for the second day of the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Washington, after making progress on developing a more sustainable partnership Wednesday.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will continue to discuss a Pakistani list of proposals - including requests for more military equipment such as drone aircraft, aid for improving the country's energy industry, and economic stimulus efforts.

Qureshi told reporters Wednesday that the first day of talks yielded a U.S. agreement to "fast track" delivery of key military supplies to Pakistan. He said he is happy that U.S.-Pakistani ties are progressing from a relationship to a partnership.

Clinton said the United States stands with Pakistanis as they rebuild communities and "rid their country of those who seek to destroy it."

She also said advancing the security of Pakistanis means more than military aid. She said the country's chronic problems, such as joblessness and energy shortages, need to be addressed. She mentioned Washington's $7.5 billion civilian aid program as evidence of that commitment.

Pakistani officials have shown interest in a deal similar to Washington's civilian nuclear power agreement with India. But U.S. officials have been reluctant to endorse such a deal, saying the process with India took several years of sustained talks.

The Pakistani foreign minister said he hopes for continued U.S. "constructive engagement" on Pakistan's long-running dispute with India over Kashmir.

Qureshi also said his country is "doing its part" to facilitate peace in Afghanistan. He said the unprecedented Pakistani border security effort, along with Islamabad's own offensive against the Taliban, have had a significant impact in Afghanistan which is now being acknowledged by Kabul authorities.