July 22, 2015
News
US assures to stand with Pakistan: aide
Fatemi informs McCain about ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in North Waziristan
INPWASHINGTON – US Senate’s Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator John McCain – during a meeting with Pakistan’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi – has assured to stand with Pakistan to eliminate terrorism.
Appreciating Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terror, Senator McCain reaffirmed to maintain peace and stability in the region. The two sides discussed prevailing situation in the region and Pak-Afghan relations. Fatemi apprised McCain about regional situation and the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in North Waziristan.
The special assistant also met with USAID Acting Administrator Alfonso Lenhardt in Washington on Tuesday during which the US reaffirmed its commitment to help Pakistan in overcoming energy crisis. The two reviewed the state of economic cooperation and USAID work and assistance projects in Pakistan.
Briefing the special assistant about USAID’s ongoing projects in Pakistan, Lenhardt stated that the USAID’s program in Pakistan targets the five priority areas namely energy, economic growth, stabilisation, education and health, which are also the primary focus of the government of Pakistan.
Fatemi expressed deep appreciation for the USAID’s contribution to socio economic development of Pakistan. He particularly noted the USAID's assistance in the energy sector projects such as Dasu and Gomal Zam dams and road infrastructures in the FATA. The special assistant also thanked the US government for its commitment to help Pakistan in the return and rehabilitation of the displaced persons in North Waziristan.
In the context of revitalizing the economic growth in Pakistan, Fatemi underscored the need for the USAID to provide more on budget support and greater synergy in project conception and implementation between USAID and the government of Pakistan. Lenhardt renewed the US commitment to help Pakistan in overcoming the energy crisis and appreciated the economic reforms undertaken by the government. He assured that the US would closely work with all stakeholders on projects which could lead to sustainable development in Pakistan.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk