Power generation, transmission infrastructure: Gilani urges US to fast-track funding process

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chairman US Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry called on Prime Minister Gilani prior to his departure to Pakistan. Gilani urged the US government to fast-track the funding process for undertaking the upgradation of existing power generation and transmission infrastructure to help overcome acute power shortages in Pakistan.
He said addressing the energy crisis in the country was the foremost priority of his government and the US should encourage its corporate sector to invest in this sector in Pakistan. Clinton and Kerry also discussed with Gilani Pak-US bilateral ties, the role of the country in the war against terror and the recently held round of the strategic dialogue.
The prime minister in his meeting with Secretary Clinton expressed satisfaction over the last round of Pak US strategic dialogue and hoped that the follow-up action on the progress made through sectoral meetings would take place. He termed the improving defence and intelligence co-operation between the two countries as a sign of bridging the trust deficit and underscored the need for promoting it even further to counter the common threat of terrorism.
On the combined impact of world recession and war on terrorism on Pakistan's economy the Prime Minister sought US help in negotiations with the IMF to soften its conditionalities thus enabling the government to provide much needed relief to the people.
He also hoped the US would use its influence with other donor countries to honour their pledges made at the Tokyo conference. Gilani said improvement in economic life of people of Pakistan was intrinsically linked to political stability in the country. The parliamentary democracy was strengthened with the unanimous passage of the constitutional reform package in the National Assembly.
The prime minister reiterated his government's firm resolve to maintain cordial neighbourly ties with India and Afghanistan. He apprised the US Secretary of State of his initiatives to mend ties with both the countries in the interest of peace and security of the region.
He regretted that Pak-India relations had been made hostage to unfortunate act of terror. While Pakistan remained committed to prosecute and bring to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai incident, India must return to Composite Dialogue to sincerely address bilateral core issues. Secretary Clinton profoundly praised Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for his leadership and "consensus-making ability" and vision for fostering friendly relations with Pakistan's neighbours.
Gilani said Pakistan would welcome the US facilitation of this process. He said Pakistan stands by its offer of assistance to Afghanistan for the capacity building of its army, police and civilian institutions.
Afghanistan's peace and stability was vital for Pakistan and the country would continue to support Afghan government's efforts in this regard. Secretary Clinton agreed with the Prime Minister's assessment on the prospects of Pak-US relations and informed him that she would try to visit Pakistan in July rather than October to lead the next round of strategic dialogue.
Clinton assured the Prime Minister that USA would stand by Pakistan in its endeavours to overcome its pressing economic difficulties, particularly in addressing the energy crisis. In his meeting with Senator Kerry, Gilani termed his meeting with Obama as very productive and useful in determining the direction of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the US.
He expressed his satisfaction over efforts made by the two countries in last two years in strengthening co-operation in multifaceted fields. He appreciated the role of US Congressional leadership, particularly John Kerry, in promoting economic and security ties through the passage of Kerry Lugar bill and Defence Appropriations legislation.
Kerry commended Pakistan's pivotal role and assured the prime minister for complete support of Congressional leadership for providing Pakistan with greater US market access, meeting its urgent defence requirements and accommodating request for nuclear power generation.