PR. No.141/2008

Date: 25/05/2008   

U.S. SENATOR RUSS FEINGOLD CALLS ON FOREIGN MINISTER

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office today. The discussions focused on Pakistan-U.S. relations, counter-terrorism, and regional issues of common interest.

Welcoming the visits of U.S. Congressional delegations to Pakistan, the Foreign Minister called for deeper interaction between the Parliaments and other democratic institutions of the two countries. He underscored the importance of a broad-based and long-term Pakistan-U.S. relationship on the basis of common values and close cooperation in diverse areas, including trade, energy and social sector development.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to fight extremism and terrorism in its own interest. He also apprised the visiting Senator of Pakistan's sustained efforts for the promotion of peace and stability in the region and beyond as an indispensable part of the endeavors to advance Pakistan's economic development goals.

Senator Feingold underlined the importance of close U.S.-Pakistan relations and expressed support for the objective of building a broader, consistent and long-term relationship going beyond counter-terrorism. Views were also exchanged on issues related to Pakistan-India dialogue process, Kashmir, Afghanistan, South-West Asia, and the Middle East.

Islamabad

26 May 2008