News
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Zardari arrives in Chicago to attend NATO SummitCHICAGO: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here on Saturday to attend a NATO summit and hold meetings with world leaders on bilateral and regional issues, particularly peace and security in Afghanistan and the region.
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani are part of the delegation which will assist the president during the summit.
Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman is already in Chicago, spearheading diplomatic efforts ahead of the summit.
President Zardari will meet NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
The bilateral engagements on the margins of the May 20-21 summit include Zardari’s meetings with his Turkish and Afghan counterparts and the Australian prime minister.
President Zardari will brief world leaders about Pakistan’s efforts and contribution for peace and security in the region.
Leaders of around 60 countries and organisations will attend the NATO summit in US President Barack Obama’s hometown. Protests over several issues are expected near the site of the summit.
On the eve of the summit, Sherry Rehman spelled out Islamabad’s position on various issues, including the November 26 NATO air strikes that killed at least 24 Pakistani soldiers at Salala border post in Mohmand.
In an interview with CNN, she said Pakistan has always had a role in the region and the alliance’s summit presented an opportunity to redefine it. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk