Pakistan committed to long-term, strategic partnership with US: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday said that Pakistan is fully committed to a long term, broad based and stable strategic relationship with the US. These relations are vitally important not only bilaterally but also for the regional stability and overall peace in the world, he said, adding, hence, it is imperative for both the sides to make every possible endeavour for further strengthening existing cordial ties.
The Prime Minister was talking to a US Congressional delegation led by Senator Buck Mukeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee that called on him here at the PM House on Friday. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan continues to confront courageously the menace of terrorism and has made unmatched sacrifices in human as well as in economic terms.
While expressing his government's gratitude for the US assistance, the Prime Minister called for development of a mechanism through which the required provision of equipment and assistance for building the capacity of Pakistan's Armed Forces can flow unhindered. The Prime Minister called for a common strategy between
Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US for realisation of a durable peace, stability development and progress, in Afghanistan. He apprised the US Congressmen of the recent interaction between Pakistan and Afghanistan including his own visit to Kabul in December which was followed by Chairman of High Peace Council Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani and Afghan Foreign Minister's visits to Pakistan.
While responding to US Congressmen's concern about the welfare of Raymond Davis, the Prime Minister assured them that he has been extended due facilities and security by the Provincial Government. The matter, he said, is subjudice and would be decided by the Court.
The US Congressional delegation commended Pakistan's pivotal role in the war against terror and expressed the gratitude of US Government and Congress for the sacrifices made by Pakistan's Armed Forces and security personnel. They also recognised the economic difficulties of Pakistan aggravated by the unprecedented devastating floods of last year.
They agreed with the Prime Minister that both sides through their concerted efforts should build up the relations which are significant for international peace. The other members of the delegation included Johan Kline, Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Silvestre Reyes, Member of the House Armed Services Committee. Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Minister for Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Secretary Defence and other senior officers were present in the meeting.