PJ: I often read about US Pakistan relations in the US press but what strikes me is that the articles are often slanted to read how important the relationship is to the US with no mention of its importance to Pakistan. In fact, I am often left with the idea that the US is doing all the work in building a relationship with a country that could take or leave its role in the partnership. This article is written from the Pakistani viewpoint and points out just how important they see a strong relationship with America.
Associated Press of Pakistan
Restoration of confidence, trust between Pakistan-USA is a must: PM
ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday said that it was imperative that confidence and trust between the two countries was restored and cooperation at military, bilaterally and tripartite level including intelligence sharing was further strengthened.The Prime Minister was talking to Ambassador Marce Grossman, US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan who called on him at the PM’s House here.The Prime Minister underlined the need for validation of the utility and efficacy of Pakistan-United Stated partnership by steadfastly receding with the strategic dialogue.
He also underscored the importance that friends must share views candidly to deeper mutual understanding and isolated issues must not be allowed to impact bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister stated that both Pakistan and US have worked closely towards the achievement of defined goals vis-…-vis Afghanistan and broader issue of terrorism and extremism. He said that both the Nations had made higher investment in this joint endeavour not only in terms of time, efforts and funds but also by the blood of their troops and citizens.
The Prime Minister said that his government was fully determined to fight terrorism and the whole nation of Pakistan was behind it in this pursuit.
He, however, highlighted the imperative that successful operations undertaken in this regard in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan must not go waste and called upon the US to help Pakistan in socio-economic development of the cleared areas to bring down the level of poverty, illiteracy and improve standard of living in those areas to win the hearts and minds of the affected people.
Welcoming the appointment of Ambassador Marce Grossman as the new US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Ambassador Richard Holbrook’s remarkable contributions for taking US-Pakistan relations to a higher level.
He termed Marce Grossman as an old friend who knows Pakistan well because of his stay with the US Embassy in Islamabad in 1970s and hoped that he would build upon the good work of his predecessor for further strengthening of bilateral ties.
Pakistan was happy to have him as its principal inter locator in the US State Department and wished him every success in his new job.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the new US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan would endeavour for a quick transition of Pakistan-US relations from a transactional relationship to the one based on mutual respect, shared values and goals.
The Prime Minister hoped that the friendly countries will deliver on their pledges made in Tokyo Donors Conference and urged US to particularly engage in transformational projects of high visibility to boost its image amongst the Pakistani populace.
He said that Pakistan would remain committed to economic reforms despite rising oil prices, war against terror, persisting power shortages and added economic burden for the reconstruction of flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister said that international financial institutions and the donor countries must nonetheless take into account the ground realities in the country and help his government in tiding over the present difficulties.
He hoped that US government would expedite the disbursement of its committed assistance to help Pakistan’s cause at the international financial institutions and fast track the long delayed passage of ROZs legislation through the US Congress for creating better economic conditions in the country.
Ambassador Marce Grossman while thanking the Prime Minister for his kind words about his predecessor Ambassador Richard Holbrook assured him that he will keep his focus in his new assignment on Pakistan.
He agreed with the Prime Minister that US assistance should target sustainable development which would lead to creation of jobs, should have high visibility effects through engaging in transformational projects and contribute towards supporting government of Pakistan’s reforms programmes.
He acknowledged that Prime Minister’s 3-D Policy has been duly recognized and had now been adopted by the Secretary of State herself.
He acknowledged that reconciliation was a way forward in Afghanistan and the US government would support the Afghan led and Afghan owned reintegration and reconciliation efforts.
He appreciated Prime Minister’s recent statement on promoting tolerance and fighting the extremism in the country and expressed the hope that his message will also have a desired effects on muslim population in the US.
Minister for Defence Ch Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Interior Senator A Rehman Malik, Minister for Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Law & Justice Dr Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mrs Hina Rabbani Khar, US Ambassador Mr Cameron Munter, Secretary Foreign Affairs and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=132939&Itemid=1
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