Pakistan has failed to secure a clear commitment for its much sought-after civil nuclear deal from the United States, which has decided to help in upgrading three of its thermal power plants.
On the opening day of their two-day upgraded strategic dialogue on Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton merely said that the US would look into whatever issues the Pakistani delegation has raised, including the nuclear deal.
"We have a broad agenda, with many complicated issues, like the one you referred to. Discussions are continuing through Thursday. While I will not go into details of our bilateral conversation, we've said that we will listen to and engage with our Pakistani partners on whatever issues the delegation raises. We're committed to helping Pakistan meet its real energy needs," she said.
Clinton also said the two countries would sign implementation agreements for three thermal power station rehabilitation projects that would provide electricity to more people in Pakistan.
"When I was in Islamabad in October, we announced a signature energy programme, and tomorrow USAID Administrator (Rajiv) Shah and (Pakistan's) Secretary of Water and Power (Shahid) Rafi will sign implementation agreements for three thermal power station rehabilitation projects that will provide more electricity to more people," she said at a joint press conference with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Clinton said the US goal "is a multi-year security assistance package" to Pakistan, including foreign military financing, based upon identified mutual strategic objectives, which would further strengthen the long-term bilateral partnership.
"We of course will work closely with Congress to further develop this commitment," she said, adding the high-power delegations from the two countries also discussed the importance of working on a multi-year basis with regard to resource planning.
Her comments came after Qureshi made a pitch for a civilian nuclear deal on the lines of one the US signed with India, as he sought "non-discriminatory access to vital energy resources" amid Pakistan's struggle to overcome massive power cuts.
Clinton said she is working to ensure that Pakistanis have access to affordable and reliable power, which is essential to funding economic development.
