Prime Minister meeting with US Secretary of State

 

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani while expressing his satisfaction over the last round of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue hoped that the follow-up action on the progress made through sectoral meetings would take place in the near future. The Prime Minister termed the increasing defence and intelligence cooperation between the two countries as a sign of bridging the trust deficit and underscrored the need for promoting it even further to counter the common threat of terrorism.

 

The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here at his hotel in Washington-DC late evening of April 13th 2010.

 

The Prime Minister urged the US Government to fast track the funding process for undertaking the upgradation of existing power generation and transmission infrastructure to help overcome the power shortages in Pakistan. He further stated that addressing the energy crises in the country was the fore-most priority of his government and the US should encourage its corporate sector to invest in this sector in Pakistan.

 

While dilating upon the combined impact of world recession and war on terror, on Pakistan’s economy, the Prime Minister sought US help in negotiations with IMF to soften its conditionality thus  enabling the government to provide much needed relief to the people. He also hoped that the US would use its influence with other donar countries to honour their pledges made at the Tokyo Conference.

 

The Prime Minister stated that improvement in the economic life of the people of Pakistan is intrinsically linked to political stability in the country. The Parliamentary democracy has taken roots in Pakistan with unanimous passage of constitutional reforms package and expressed confidence that with steadfast support of US and other friendly countries for economic development, the democratic institutions would be further strengthened in Pakistan.

 

The Prime Minister reiterated his governments firm resolve to maintain cordial neighbourly ties with India and Afghanistan. He apprised the US Secretary of  State of his personal initiatives to mend the ties with both the countries in the interest of peace and security of the region. He regretted that Pakistan-India relations had been made hostage to the unfortunate act of terror .While Pakistan he said remains committed to prosecute and bring to justice the perpetrators of Bombay incident, India must return to composite dialogue to sincerely address  the bilateral core  issues. He said that Pakistan would welcome the US facilitation of this process.

 

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan stands by its offer of assistance to Afghanistan for the capacity building of its army, police and civilian institutions. Afghan peace and stability is vital for Pakistan’s own peace and security and we would continue to support Afghan Government’s initiatives in this regard.

 

Secretary Hilary Clinton professedly praised the Prime Minister for his leadership consensus making ability and vision for fostering friendly relations with Pakistan’s neighbours. She also agreed with Prime Minister’s assessment on the progress of Pakistan-US relations and informed him that she will try to visit Pakistan in July rather than in October to lead the next round of strategic dialogue between the two countries in Islamabad alongwith her Pakistani counterpart.

 

Secretary Clinton assured the Prime Minister that USA will stand by Pakistan in its endeavors to overcome its present economic difficulties particularly in addressing the energy crises. She termed Pakistan’s participation in Security Summit as recognition of its status as a responsible nuclear state. She referred to the statement made by President Obama in his press conference, earlier in the day about the measures taken and security of its nuclear assets and stated that it was an official public affirmation of US satisfaction and reputation of misperceptions in this regard.

 

Bother leaders agreed to consult and coordinate for helping Afghan Government in its policy of reconciliation and building its state institutions.

 

 

London

April 14, 2010

 

 

 

 

Prime Minister meeting with Regional Head IMF

 

Regional head of IMF for south Asia Mr. Waqar during his call on the Prime Minister late in the evening of the 13th April at Washington DC assured the later that IMF Board in its froth coming meeting of 3rd May will approve the release of next tranche for Pakistan. He said that he was confident of successful completion of present IMF Programme for Pakistan by December this year and it was now for the Government of Pakistan to take the decision by this fall (October) it wanted to start negotiations for the next IMF Programme.

 

The Prime Minister apprised him of his government’s endeavours to broaden the text base in the country, through consultation with the provinces and for keeping the budget deficit level closer to 5.1%. He however urged the IMF leadership and its board to take into account Pakistan’s ground realities and practical difficulties while suggesting the required reforms measures

 

 

London

April 14, 2010

 

 

 

Prime Minister meeting with Senator John Kerry

 

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has termed his meetings, with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as very productive and useful in determining the direction of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and USA. He expressed his satisfaction over the progress made by both the countries in the course of last two years in strengthening cooperation in multi faceted fields.

 

He was talking to Senator Johan Kerry Chairman of US Foreign Affairs Committee who called on him in his hotel at Washington DC late evening on 13th April 2010.

 

The Prime Minister appreciated the positive role played by the US Congressional leadership particularly by Senator John Kerry in promoting the economic and security ties through passage of Kerry‑Lugar‑Berman Bill as well as Defence appropriation legislation.

 

While dilating upon Pakistan’s efforts on war against terrorism the Prime Minister said that the whole nation is committed for the eradication of the menace.

 

Senator John Kerry while commending Pakistan’s positive role in war against terrorism assured the Prime Minister of complete support of Congress Leadership for providing Pakistan with greater US market access, meeting Pakistan’s urgent defence requirement and accommodating Pakistan’s request for nuclear power generation.  

 

 

London

April 14, 2010

 

 

Last updated: 16 April 2010