News
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Pakistan wants broad based, long-term ties with US: PM* Gilani says Pakistan encouraged by US, other friendly countries’ support against terrorism
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has stressed on the need to translate the existing Pakistan-US partnership into stronger bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries and for peace, progress and prosperity at the regional as well as global level.
“Towards this objective, we have been working together to build a sustainable, broad-based, long-term relationship through strategic dialogue,” Gilani said while speaking at the US’ 235th Independence Day celebration ceremony held at the residence of US Ambassador Anne Patterson on Monday.
The PM said the Pak-US strategic dialogue has set in motion greater opportunities for mutual benefit of the people of both countries.
“We are looking forward to the visit of Secretary Hillary Clinton later this month to take this process forward through the next round of dialogue, scheduled to be held in Islamabad,” he added.
Gilani said the current government is fully cognisant of the challenges it faces, as Pakistan and the US are engaged in a joint struggle against terrorism and extremism.
“We are fully engaged with all stakeholders to devise a strategy to deal with this menace, which has afflicted our peace-loving people,” he added.
Encouragement: The PM added that “as we deal with this challenge, we are encouraged by the support provided by the US and other friendly countries”.
“We are confident that the friendly and cooperative ties between our two countries will continue to grow through increased cooperation in diverse fields and greater people-to-people contacts,” he added.
Gilani also felicitated the US ambassador and the American nationals present on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan. “I also congratulate the government and the people of the US on this occasion,” he added.
He said the Pakistan government has embarked on an ambitious programme to provide security and socio-economic stability. He said Pakistan appreciated the assistance that the US government and people are providing to enable Islamabad to take its agenda forward. “We are grateful to President Obama for his special attention to bolster the Pakistan-United States relationship. We are also grateful to Secretary of State Clinton for her untiring efforts in this regard,” he added. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk