Top U.S. security adviser in discussion with Pakistani PM

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawa Sharif Sunday morning and they discussed bilateral issues and security matters hours after she arrived in Islamabad, officials here said.

Pakistan's top security adviser Sartaj Aziz and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar were present in the meeting, local PTV reported.

Officials said a detailed statement about the meeting will be released later.

The U.S. security adviser is scheduled to hold more meetings that will include interaction with senior military leaders, official sources said.

The visit of Susan Rice is deemed important at a time when Pakistan and India are involved in cross-border shelling that has also concerned the United States and other friendly countries.

The United States has been urging both countries to show restraint and resolve disputes through talks.

It is expected that the current stalemate in the Afghan peace negotiations may also be on the agenda of the U.S. security adviser as both countries are making efforts to revive the rare talks. The U.S. attended the Pakistan-brokered talks near Islamabad on July 7 as observer.

Economic issues will also be part of the discussion. Endi