The spokes-man of US embassy gave a reception in honour of the newly elected diplomatic journalist association. The monsoon flooding which killed score of people in Pakistan and displaced 2 million people dominated the discussion in this reception. In an informal chat with media persons on Wednesday, Richard Snelsire, the spokesperson of US embassy took a quick review of the US administration's contribution in rescue and relief efforts.
He said it was a great disaster as country lost many precious lives and around 2 million people were displaced. The response of US administration was very quick sending six helicopters and releasing 10 million dollar assistance to overcome this natural calamity.
In the reception, along with US embassy information center staff, two diplomats also participated. Head of Press and Cultural Section, Embassy of Germany Dr Thomas Ditt and counsellor political and economic affairs Dr Gregor Schotten also attended the reception with a view to interact Pakistani media persons. In a chat with this scribe, Dr Gregor Schotten said that he was transferred from information wing of the embassy to political and economic affairs section recently. Dr Thomas assumed the charged only one month back.
To a friendly discussion, Dr Thomas admitted that German companies were reluctant to invest in Pakistan because of current wave of extremism and terrorism. Even a bilateral investment treaty between Germany and Pakistan could not be worked out to increase German companies' investment in the country.
The launching of 'Newsweek' magazine also came under discussion in the reception. Some of the participants hailed the decision to publish magazine in Pakistan and expressed the hope that it would tell unbiased, qualitative stories of Pakistan to the international community. Richard also extended his and staff's full co-operation to the local media group in case they need some information regarding US policy.