Pakistan desires to strengthen ties with US: Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said Pakistan needs help and assistance from the United States to rebuild its economy and wants to strengthen the bilateral ties. Talking to a US Congressional delegation here at the Prime Minister House, he highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the US.
He underscored the desire to deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, including defence, trade, economy, energy and social sectors.
The Prime Minister told the delegation that the government’s foremost priorities include fighting extremism and terrorism in Pakistan’s own interest as well as rebuilding the economy.
He also apprised the members of Congress of the three-pronged counter-terrorism strategy.
Prime Minister Gilani underlined the need for accelerating the ROZs initiative stressing that it would help expand economic opportunities and generate jobs.
He also under-scored the vital interest Pakistan has in a stable Afghanistan.
He apprised the delegation of the steps taken by Pakistan to strengthen security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as well as for the upkeep of 3 million Afghan refugees.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for the international community to support these efforts.
The members of the Congressional delegation highlighted the strategic importance of the US relations with Pakistan and reciprocated the desire to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.
They affirmed US readiness to support Pakistan in its efforts to address the security issues and to achieve economic progress over the long term.
They said that the US regards Pakistan as its important and strategic ally and is keen to closely work with the democratic government to help it overcome its economic problems.
They said that Pakistan is a linchpin in the region and wants to expand its bilateral cooperation in all areas including trade, investment and security matters.
The Congressional delegation included Senator Benjamin Cardin, Congressman Zach Wamp, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Mike McIntyre and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik, Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security Mahmud Durrani and Acting Secretary Foreign Affairs.