Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said Pakistan wanted good relations with the United States “that can benefit the peoples of both countries”.
“It is true that there have been difficulties in recent past. However, the important thing is that both sides have remained fully engaged, even in that difficult phase. Happily, we have been able to put the relationship back on a stable and upward trajectory.”
He was addressing a gathering of prominent business leaders at the US-Pakistan Business Council at the US Chamber of Commerce. The event was attended by American officials including US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and US Coordinator for Non-military Assistance Ambassador Robin Raphel.
Nawaz invited American entrepreneurs to avail of the promising business opportunities existing in Pakistan.
Miles Young, chairman of the US-Pakistan Business Council, and Worldwide CEO of Ogilvy and Mather, welcomed Nawaz and said Pakistan’s proximity to regional markets, a large hardworking workforce and huge economic potential make it an important country for international private businesses.
Nawaz, who is due to meet President Barack Obama for talks on bilateral ties on Wednesday, spoke about his government’s important reforms and policies to put the economy on sound footing.
There are few places in the world today that so uniquely offer the promise of land, geography and people, as does Pakistan, the PM said.
Regarding historic democratic transition Pakistan has witnessed, he said the transition was not taking place in vacuum. “In fact, it is a reflection of growing institutional strength and consolidation in Pakistan, which is so critical for sustaining any democratic, pluralistic and peace-loving polity.”
“Our media enjoys complete freedom; our judiciary is independent, and our civil society proactive and well-informed. Collectively, they empower the democratically elected leadership and hold it to vigorous accountability and scrutiny. With all the institutions of state committed to upholding the constitution, observing the law and abiding by due process, we see the dawn of a new era in Pakistan.”
He said his government was determined to pursuing regional peace and security.
“We seek good neighbourly relations with India, Afghanistan and the rest of the countries in the region.”
“No region has lagged as far behind in the world as South Asia. To lift our people out of poverty, we must first of all establish peace in the region.”
“With Afghanistan, I have assured President Karzai who visited Islamabad last month, that Pakistan supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process. Pakistan will do all it can, to support the realization of peace and stability in Afghanistan, as we believe that a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan is a pre-requisite, for a peaceful and stable Pakistan.”
