Congressman Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States House of Representative (HFAC), accompanied by Congressman Ami Bera, Chairman of the Asia Subcommittee of the HFAC called on the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on Monday.
During the meeting, Imran Khan stressed the need for enhancing bilateral parliamentary and diplomatic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States to promote peace, stability, and economic development in Afghanistan.
The premier warmly welcomed the two congressmen’s visit to Pakistan and hoped that the visit would not only further deepen of Pak-US relations but will also prove to be instrumental in strengthening relations between parliaments of the two countries, according to the Prime Minister Office.
The two sides agreed that Islamabad and Washington should work to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relationships as well as cooperate in the areas of security, health, counterterrorism, and climate change issues.
The congressional delegation also met Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf.
Delegation met Foreign Minister
Welcoming the delegation, Shah Mehmood Qureshi highlighted that Islamabad values its longstanding relationship with Washington D.C. and the United States and wants to further strengthen bilateral ties. Qureshi hoped to have more high-level exchanges between the countries, which will strengthen people-to-people ties between Pakistan and US.
Highlighting Pakistan’s determination to make the country a hub of trade, investment, and finance, the foreign minister invited US investors to also invest in IT and Health sectors like they are investing in other growing sectors.
Qureshi also told the congressmen about Pakistan’s commitment to supporting peace, stability, and progress in neighboring Afghanistan. He hoped that the international community will promptly extend finical assistance to Afghanistan so that the war-torn country could meet its compelling needs.
Delegation called on National Security Advisor
The Gregory Meeks-led delegation also called on Dr. Moeed Yusuf. The two sides discussed Pak-US bilateral relationship as well as the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. The NSA expressed deep concern on worsening humanitarian situation in the war-struck neighboring country Afghanistan as about 60% of the Afghan population is anticipated to face extreme levels of hunger.
“The world needs to devise an effective system by which assistance can reach Afghan men women and children before winter”, said Dr. Moeed Yusuf, adding that “Afghanistan financial and banking system is in disarray. The problem must be resolved quickly to avert the collapse of the system in the country.”
Both Congressmen are having their standalone visit to Pakistan on Foreign Minister’s invitation.