United States (US) Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee said the US is working to foster a close relationship with Pakistan.
Speaking at an Iftar party hosted by Charge d’ Affaires Dr Asad M Khan at the Pakistani embassy, Lee, who is also co-chair of the Pakistani caucus on the Capitol Hill, said Congressional leaders valued the relationship with Pakistan and wanted to enhance it as they were aware of the importance of the this key South Asian country.
“The Pakistani caucus has bipartisan leadership,” she said.
The dinner was hosted in the honor of officials from various departments of the US administration, including members of the State and Defence departments, US Agency for International Development, US Trade Representative and the National Security Council officials.
The Capitol Hill staff was also present.
Lee, a long-time supporter of US-Pakistan ties, noted that under President Barack Obama the secretaries of state, previously Hillary Clinton and now John Kerry were working to advance US-Pakistan ties.
Secretary Kerry has an ongoing, strong relationship and knowledge of Pakistan, she said, as Kerry concluded a visit to Islamabad during which the two countries announced the revival of strategic dialogue.
“It is a good thing because we work with the knowledge of the importance of Pakistan and its people,” Lee said.
An Iftar dinner, following the interfaith Iftar, brought together officials and staffers in the US government and offered an opportunity to reach out to the Muslim community.
