News
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Pakistan’s role for peace in Afghanistan important: US envoy* Olson says Washington looking forward to stronger ties with Islamabad
* Transition from one democratic government to another is important milestone in Pakistan’s history
By Imdad Hussain
ISLAMABAD: While referring to Pakistan’s important role for peace in Afghanistan, US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G Olson on Wednesday said Pakistan and United States have strong relations despite the ups and downs over the years.
In an informal chat with the participants at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission for the US presidential election results watch, the newly inducted ambassador said Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process was vital and the country had rendered sacrifices more than any other country during its efforts against war on terrorist.
The envoy said that he was looking forward to stronger ties between the two countries.
Olson said the US policy regardless of election results would continue to emphasise the importance of a close relationship with Pakistan. He said his country wanted strong ties with Pakistan on the basis of mutual respect and interests.
He said, “Pakistan and US are friends and we are looking forward for constructive cooperation between the two countries in war on terror.”
Olson described the tight race for the White House as a triumph of democracy.
Regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, the ambassador said it was Pakistan’s internal matter. However, he added that he looked forward to see the transition from one democratic government to another and termed it an important milestone in Pakistan’s history.
He said he wished to meet as many Pakistanis as possible during his stay so as to better understand the people and improve the people to people contacts.
A large number of politicians, diplomats, journalists and people from all walks of life attended the result watch. While an “Uncle Sam” wearing a blue and red striped dress entertained and provided information to the guests on the election, huge screens continuously updated results from different US states.
Live tweets and analysis from different areas constantly poured in and made the event exciting.
Meanwhile, in his closing remarks at the 14th Annual American Studies Conference organised by Quaid-e-Azam University, US Ambassador Richard Olson underscored his country’s strong commitment to advancing education in Pakistan.
“Unlocking Pakistan’s potential by improving education is one of our top assistance priorities,” said Olson in closing the Conference. “Many of our programmes focus on young learners – we are helping 3.2 million children learn to read and building training facilities for teachers at 16 Pakistani universities, but we are also deeply involved in increasing access to higher education. We are proud to operate the world’s largest Fulbright exchange program in Pakistan, providing a world-class US education to some of your best and brightest. But we are also proud that we are providing university scholarships for more than 12,000 students to study near home right here in Pakistan.”
The annual American Studies Conference, supported by the US embassy in Pakistan, brings together professors and students to foster greater understanding of the US in Pakistan using an interdisciplinary approach. While at the conference, Olson also announced the launching of a university partnership between Ball State University and Quaid-e-Azam University. This partnership will foster academic exchange, joint research, and curriculum development in American Studies.
“America sincerely wants to see a strong, vibrant, Pakistan, because what is good for Pakistan is what is good for the region, the world, and by definition, the United States. Education is the key to that,” concluded Olson.Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk