Islamabad (TDI): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday that Pakistan’s relations with the United States constitute an important pillar of its foreign policy, highlighting the longstanding and broad-based partnership between the two nations.
“Our ties are on an upward trajectory, and it is important to maintain the current positive momentum,” Chairman Senate said during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, at the Parliament House.
He said that mutual trust, respect, and common interests should be the defining principles of Pakistan-US ties.
“We wish to further strengthen these ties,” he said, urging for enhanced people-to-people contacts and increased interaction at political, parliamentary, business, education, and cultural levels.
Gilani underlined Islamabad’s efforts to encourage US companies to explore new areas for investment, stating that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market.
“We are keen to diversify our bilateral trade ties with the US, with a particular focus on boosting trade and business collaboration,” he said.
Referring to regional dynamics, the Chairman Senate affirmed Islamabad’s desire for better and constructive ties with all neighboring nations, despite prevailing challenges.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani mentioned his official visit to the US in July 2008 and productive meetings with then-President George W. Bush.
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He also noted his discussions with President Barack Obama on the margins of the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, which further strengthened bilateral relations.
He appreciated the US for its contributions as an important economic and development partner and stressed the need to diversify collaboration in areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, water management, climate-smart agriculture, energy transition, biodiversity conservation, and waste management.
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Gilani also underlined the strong defense partnership between the two nations, especially Pakistan’s role as a frontline state during the global war on terror.
He welcomed the new US administration under President Donald Trump and expressed optimism for further improvement in bilateral ties under the new government.
Gilani also acknowledged US help in Pakistan’s flood relief and other humanitarian efforts.
Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker thanked Gilani for the warm welcome.
She affirmed that Pakistan remains an important partner of the US and conveyed President Trump’s appreciation for Islamabad’s role in counter-terrorism efforts.
She commended Gilani’s leadership in promoting peace and stability, describing him as a “champion of peace.”
Baker also stressed the need to broaden trade and economic relations and extended her best wishes to the Chairman Senate.
