US seeks to improve ties with Pakistan, Afghanistan during trilateral talks

Washington, May 3 (ANI): The United States is hoping that the forthcoming trilateral talks with Pakistan and Afghanistan will help in improving ties between the countries, specially between neighboring Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Briefing media persons about the issues which would be discussed during the three day long summit, White House spokesperson, Robert Gibbs said that besides the trilateral talks, President Obama would also hold separate talks with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai.

Gibbs said the White House hopes to accelerate the process of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also said the summit will help in implementing Obama's new policy for the two countries.

When enquired if the trilateral summit would also evaluate the yardsticks President Obama set earlier in his speech for continuing US aid to Pakistan, Gibbs said: "There's no policy review of the policy review. Obviously we're continuing to monitor the situation throughout the region and in both countries, understanding that it's not a fixed situation."

The itinerary of the summit is as follows:

On May 6, President Zardari will join President Karzai at the State Department to attend the trilateral talks hosted by Secretary of States Hillary Rodham Clinton.

On May 7, the president will have a luncheon meeting with Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

On May 8, the president will have interaction with the media, and will later hold a bilateral meeting with President Karzai. In the evening he will attend a community dinner. (ANI)