Pakistan is holding the seventh round of bilateral talks with the United States today on security, strategic stability and non-proliferation. We will discuss a broad range of issues related to arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament as well as regional security and stability. I hope to build on the convergences between our two countries' views, and address the differences where they exist. I sincerely believe that with further dialogue and engagement these differences can be narrowed down. We will try to express our point of view candidly and elicit a better understanding of our genuine security concerns. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapon state and a likeminded partner in the international efforts to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and to enhance nuclear security worldwide. We have taken a series of steps at the national level in that regard, which have been repeatedly acknowledged and appreciated by the U.S. and the international community at large. I believe it is time for Pakistan's further integration into the nonproliferation mainstream including the NSG. We sincerely hope that the United States would pursue a non-discriminatory and even handed policy on these issues, in order to have a level playing field in South Asia for Pakistan to prosper socio-economically in a peaceful and stable environment
