FM Qureshi interacts with US politicians on sidelines of UN-related engagements

During the interaction, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that Pakistan has always valued its partnership with the United States.

Since the U.S. Congress is one of the pillars of the American political system, the Foreign Minister appreciated the Congressional Caucus for its role within the U.S. Congress in further improving bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States.

The Foreign Minister also briefed the Caucus Chairperson about the government of Pakistan’s vision for socio-economic progress and human development in the country as well as Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and prosperity including in facilitating peace in Afghanistan. He emphasized the significance of further strengthening people-to-people and inter-parliamentary linkages between Pakistan and the United States and urged the Caucus Chairperson and other members to play their due role in this regard.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee thanked the Foreign Minister for his briefing and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and security. She also recognized the role of the Pakistani American community in the U.S., contributing towards further strengthening bilateral linkages and relations. The Congresswoman looked forward to enhancing mutually beneficial engagement between the two countries.

Later during the day, FM Qureshi also spoke with Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said that Pakistan attached great importance to its longstanding partnership with the United States.

Highlighting the government’s emphasis on economic development and connectivity, the Foreign Minister underscored Pakistan’s desire for closer trade and investment ties with the United States.

The Foreign Minister briefed Senator Van Hollen on Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan. He thanked the Senator for introducing the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) legislation and emphasized that the initiative would promote long-term peace and stability in the region.

Senator Van Hollen appreciated Pakistan’s support for the Afghan peace process, and underscored the criticality of enhanced economic engagement between Pakistan and the United States to promote peace and stability in the region.

The Foreign Minister and Senator Van Hollen also discussed the need to further enhance inter-parliamentary linkages as well as bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States on a range of issues, including climate change.