WASHINGTON: During a meeting on Saturday, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan discussed the need for mutual cooperation between Pakistan and the United States (US) in order to establish sustainable peace in South Asia. During the meeting, the two dignitaries stressed on the need for the two countries to join hands for prosperity of the region. On occasion, the interior minister stated that it is due to the country’s efforts against terrorism that peace and economic stability has been restored. Ahsan added that certain regional elements are working against peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Speaking to a press conference during his visit to the US, Ahsan said that both, Pakistan and the US, hold geographic, strategic and political significance for one another and that strong ties between the two countries are essential. In response to a question regarding temporary suspension of US aid to Pakistan, the interior minister said that the country does not depend on foreign aid and that resources sent through USAID project are received by non-governmental organisations. Iqbal also stressed on the need to solve the Afghanistan conflict through political means. He said that militant groups willing to hold talks with the representatives of the respective countries should be allowed to do so and that diplomacy must be prioritised.