PR. No.087/2008

Date: 08/04/2008

THE US SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY GENERAL COMMONWEALTH CALL THE FOREIGN MINISTER

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice telephoned Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi to congratulate him on assumption of office as Foreign Minister. She said US-Pakistan relationship was important both for US and Pakistan . She also termed this bilateral relationship as important for the regional peace and stability. She reaffirmed Washington 's commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan . The Secretary of State invited the Foreign Minister to visit the United States.

The Foreign Minister thanked the Secretary of State for the telephone call and appreciated her role in forging broad based relationship between Pakistan and the United States . The Foreign Minister said Pakistan would continue its role in the international struggle against terrorism. He emphasized that economic development of FATA and other under-developed regions would facilitate Pakistan 's efforts to counter the menace of extremism and terrorism. The Foreign Minister added that the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) is an important initiative in this regard. The Secretary of State responded that she would work towards early adoption of legislation in the US Congress to enable duty free imports from ROZs to the United States .

The Secretary of Commonwealth, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, also called the Foreign Minister to felicitate him on assumption of office. The Foreign Minister and Secretary General discussed the modalities for restoration of Pakistan 's membership of the Councils of Commonwealth.

Islamabad

08 April 2008