16 September, 2017
If a meeting does take place, it will be the first high-level interaction between the two countries since US President Donald Trump savagely criticised Pakistan for providing "safe havens to agents of chaos, violence and terror".
"The prime minister emphasises the importance of engagement to pursue common objectives and other issues of mutual interest", according to an official handout issued by his office.
Abbasi is scheduled to reach NY on Monday and address the United Nations general Assembly on Thursday.
He said pointedly that we are fighting the war against terror, anything that degrades our efforts in this regard will only hurt the U.S. effort and any targeted sanctions by Washington against Pakistan will also not be helpful for United States counter-terrorism efforts adding pointedly that whatever needs to be done, it needs to be done with a cooperative spirit. The policy lays special emphasis on kinetic operations to subdue Taliban militancy in Afghanistan, envisions greater role for India in Afghanistan and the overall regional security, and has been particularly hawkish on Pakistan accusing it of being an insincere partner in the fight against terrorism.
It was a dressing down that left Pakistan feeling humiliated. The prime minister will highlight Pakistan's point of view on various worldwide issues and especially present case of Pakistan with regard to Kashmir dispute, extremism and terrorism in the backdrop of obnoxious moves by one of its neighbours for destabilising the region and harm Pakistan. Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has already left for NY to take part in different committees' meetings.
The Sindh governor also apprised the prime minister about the positive feedback received from the private sector and the business community about the investment-friendly policies of the government and improved law and order situation.
Abbasi recently met U.S. ambassador to Pakistan David Hale.
"It was agreed that the decades long relations between Pakistan and the United States should be further strengthened through multifaceted engagement", a statement from the PM Office said. He suggests a frank and candid dialogue between the two countries to bridge that gap.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process.
In an another important engagement ahead of his most important overseas trip since assuming office last month, Mr Abbasi met Afghan Ambassador Dr Omar Zakhilwal.
The Afghan envoy told Mr Abbasi that Kabul was committed to furthering bilateral relations.
