Pakistan gives special importance to broad-based partnership with US, reaffirms FM

The broad-based partnership would advance the two countries’ shared interests in the bilateral and regional spheres.

Following a telephonic interaction with member of the US Congress and Chairperson of Pakistan Caucus, Sheila Jackson Lee in New York, the minister said that the pro-Pakistan group in the US Congress can help improve bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States.

Shah Mahmood also appreciated the positive and vibrant role of Pakistan Caucus in the Congress for strengthening Pak-US ties.

Both sides also discussed Pak-US relations, regional situation and others matters of bilateral interest.

The Foreign Minister apprised Sheila Jackson about Pakistan reconciliatory efforts for peace and stability in the region particularly in Afghanistan.

The foreign minister emphasized the need for promotion of parliamentary interaction and people to people contacts in the US.

Moreover, Sheila Jackson Lee appreciated the role of Pakistani community for cementing bilateral relations of Pakistan and the United States.

Earlier yesterday, while addressing Pakistani community in New York, FM said that Pakistan would continue efforts for sustainable peace in Palestine and will fight the cases of Palestine and Kashmir on all forums.

“Both Palestinians and Kashmiri people are fighting for the right to self-determination. Kashmiris are facing the same issues like Palestinians,” he said.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi further stated that Pakistan has achieved its first goal in the shape of truce fire announced by Israel and Hamas.

“We have raised strong voice for the right of Palestinians at the UN General Assembly,” he said.

Shah Mehmood stated that American Pakistani community is playing key role in economic development of Pakistan.

“Government is trying to provide right of vote to overseas Pakistanis with the aim to empower them. The welfare of overseas Pakistanis and resolving their problems on priority basis is part of the top priorities of our government,” he added.

Earlier uring a meeting with senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on the side-lines of his UN-related engagements in New York, Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed that peace in Afghanistan is ultimately the shared responsibility of all Afghan parties as well as key international stakeholders.

“Pakistan would continue to support efforts for achieving an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan,” he said on the occasion.

The Foreign Minister appreciated Senator Graham’s efforts for strengthening the Pakistan-U.S. partnership saying that Pakistan wanted to forge closer economic and trade linkages with the US.

Senator Graham appreciated Pakistan’s support for deepening the peace process in Afghanistan, while underscoring the importance of economic engagement between the United States and Pakistan that would also contribute to regional peace and stability.