FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS WASHINGTON 11 JULY

The Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Washington DC on 11 July 2008. He met with the Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice and the National Security Advisor, Mr. Stephen Hadley. Mr. Qureshi covered a wide-range of issues during his address at the Brookings Institution. He also met with the Washington Post Editorial Board and appeared at the CNN Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

During his meetings with the US officials, the Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a broad-based strategic partnership with the US. He said that the two countries should work together closely to achieve their common objectives. He reiterated Pakistan's determination to fight terrorism and curb extremism- which, he said, was in Pakistan's own interest. The Foreign Minister also discussed with the US officials the situation caused by the dramatic increase in the commodity and oil prices. Dr. Rice assured the Foreign Minister that the US would help Pakistan cope with the rising food and energy prices, besides continuing its economic assistance.

The officials conveyed US support to the process of democratic transition in Pakistan and gave the assurance that the US would work with the civilian leadership to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Both sides agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the key areas under the auspices of their strategic partnership.

Washington

11 July, 2008  

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