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Sunday, June 20, 2010
Nawaz for long-term, durable relationship with US* PML-N chief asks US to forge ties based on mutual trust, respect
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday called upon the US to establish a long term and durable relationship with Pakistan aimed at ensuring the well being of the people of the country.
He was talking to US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke.
Nawaz said, “Pakistan is a strong and important country, located in a sensitive region, therefore, the US should establish a meaningful relationship with it based on mutual trust and respect.”
The PML-N chief said US assistance to the country’s economic, power and energy, and agriculture sectors would have immediate and positive impacts. “This will not only help generate more employment, but also strengthen the economy and promote moderation and tolerance in the society,” he added.
Commenting on the country’s relations with Afghanistan, Nawaz said, “We view the country not only as a neighbour, but as a close friend.”
On Islamabad’s relations with New Delhi, Nawaz informed Holbrooke that dialogue was the only structured mechanism for the two countries to resolve their differences. In this context, the US could play an important role to promote the normalisation process, Nawaz added.
Holbrooke welcomed Nawaz’s comments on Afghanistan and India and assured the PML-N chief that the US recognised the country’s critical role in the region. He said the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue and its follow-up sectoral meetings were strong evidence of the key interest that the Obama administration was taking in strengthening relations with Pakistan. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk