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Friday, March 25, 2011
US, Pak working to overcome strains in bilateral ties: envoy
WASHINGTON: Pakistan and the United States are working to overcome recent strains in bilateral relations, senior diplomats of the two countries said at the Pakistan Day reception on Wednesday evening.
Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Hussain Haqqani, said that despite interruptions, the country is back on democratic track. This year, Pakistan Day is an occasion that highlights not only the idea of Pakistan, but the idea of a democratic Pakistan, he added.
The reception, hosted by the Pakistani envoy and his wife, MNA Farahnaz Ispahani, was attended by Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman, Deputy Ambassador for the two countries, Dan Feldman, and senior officials from other US departments as well as Washington-based ambassadors from several countries. Ambassador Haqqani noted that that the presence of US officials from so many departments signifies that the two countries want to forge a multifaceted relationship. He expressed the hope that the two countries will address difficulties and take forward the bilateral relations. The top Pakistani diplomat in Washington, citing President Asif Ali Zardari’s reaffirmation to curb the menace of terrorism, said Pakistan will continue its efforts to stamp out violent extremism from society.
Marc Grossman, answering journalists’ questions, said the diplomats of both countries will work together towards resumption of strategic dialogue and exchange of presidential visits. On the occasion, Ambassador Haqqani also conferred Sitara-e-Imtiaz on two prominent Pakistanis on behalf of the president of Pakistan.
The recipients included leading New York-based Pakistani-American cardiologist Dr Hina Chaudhry, whose work has been acknowledged in the field. Khalid Hasan, an acclaimed Pakistani journalist and writer was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz posthumously. His Virginia-based son received the award. Pakistan has also announced to confer posthumously the highest civilian award for foreigners, on ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who died last year. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk