Pakistan Keen to Further Strengthen Cooperation with US: PM

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s interest in enhancing its cooperation with the United States across multiple sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, IT, mines, and energy. During a meeting in Islamabad with a US Congressional delegation consisting of Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of building stronger ties between Pakistan and the United States.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the Congressmen and acknowledged their visit as a positive step towards reinforcing bilateral relations. He extended congratulations to the Congressmen and the American public on the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence and sent his best wishes to President Donald Trump. Highlighting past diplomatic successes, the Prime Minister fondly recalled President Trump’s intervention last year, which resulted in a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, averting a potential crisis.

The Congressional delegation expressed their gratitude for the hospitality received and noted President Trump’s favorable rapport with Pakistan’s leadership, which they believe is positively influencing bilateral relations. They lauded Prime Minister Sharif’s contributions to regional peace initiatives.

Both parties agreed on the necessity of increasing the frequency of visits by Congressional and parliamentary delegations between the two nations to boost mutual understanding and cooperation.

In a subsequent engagement, Prime Minister Sharif hosted a reception for a delegation of U.S. corporate executives visiting Pakistan. These representatives, hailing from sectors such as IT, energy, mining, and manufacturing, were welcomed by the Prime Minister, who reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to fortifying its partnership with the U.S., with economic collaboration being a core element of their relationship.

The Prime Minister encouraged more U.S. investments into Pakistan, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial ventures. He also acknowledged the significant role of the Pakistani American diaspora, which was well represented among the visiting business delegation, in serving as a crucial link between the two countries.