Congressman James Leach, of Republican Party from Iowa, has praised Pakistan for extending "critical co-operation" in the ongoing war against terrorism, and making "impressive economic strides."
In his presidential remarks at the hearing on South Asia, at the Capitol Hill, he said "we appreciate Islamabad's critical co-operation to campaign against terrorism, our objective is establishment of a broad and lasting economic and strategic partnership."
Rep. Leach is chairman of the Asia-Pacific sub-committee of the House International Relations Committee. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher was the senior official appearing before the committee. Despite certain domestic challenges, he said "Pakistan has begun to make impressive economic strides, progress, which we hope will be matched in the political realm through critical democratic elections in 2007.
On the South Asian region, he said it was now "a focal point" for major US policy initiatives, which run the gamut from expanded commerce, energy co-operation, defence relations, education, health, as well as collaboration on science and technology.
The hearing was intended to review recent developments in South Asia, particularly in light of expanding US foreign policy interest in this "increasingly dynamic region."