Strategic dialogue between US-Pak should be all encompassing: Gilani

Islamabad, Mar.19 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the forthcoming strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States should cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking during a meeting, which was called to chart out a comprehensive, coherent and well-coordinated strategy for the March 24 talks, Gilani said the dialogue must include all issues concerning both the nations.

During the high-level meeting Gilani directed officials to mutually develop a review mechanism to monitor the decisions taken during the strategic dialogue, The Daily Times reports.

The United States has also been making ground for the upcoming talks with several high-ranking officials making trips to Pakistan in the recent past.

Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal called on Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to brief him other officials on the ongoing operations in Afghanistan and the forthcoming strategic dialogue.

According to sources, the US State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism, Daniel Benjamin, will soon be visiting Islamabad on a three-day visit to discuss matters concerning the 'war on terror' and the upcoming dialogue.