Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations with US, based on mutual respect: Aizaz Chaudhry

WASHINGTON: Continuing his outreach to the US Congress, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, met US Senator Cory Booker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC).

The ambassador briefed Senator Booker on Pakistan’s perspective on the region, including the situation in Afghanistan. Noting that both countries desired peace and stability in South Asia, Ambassador Chaudhry said it was important for Pakistan and the United States to work together for a political settlement in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Chaudhry informed the senator that Pakistan’s successes in the fight against terrorism had resulted in an improved internal security environment. At the same time, the economic situation has also improved in the country. The ambassador said greater cooperation between the US and Pakistani corporate sectors would generate jobs and prosperity for both countries.

Senator Booker thanked the ambassador for his briefing. Describing himself as a friend of Pakistan, the senator agreed on the need for closer cooperation between Pakistan and the US is not only the bilateral domain but also for peace and stability in the region.

Addressing a distinguished gathering of Pakistani journalists at a dinner hosted by Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA), Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry has said that Pakistan tends to strengthen its bilateral relations with the United States, based on mutual respect and dignity.

The dinner was also attended by a delegation of prominent Pakistani journalists including President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Mr Afzal Butt and President National Press Club (NPC) Mr Shakeel Anjum who is currently visiting the United States of America. Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry was the chief guest on the occasion.

Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry gave a detailed overview of the current state of relations between Pakistan and the US. Ambassador emphasised that positive trajectory in Pak-US relations has always been beneficial for both the countries. Pakistan is a peace-loving nation. “We are following a positive agenda and looking forward to having a long-term, sustainable and broad-based relations with the US, Ambassador Chaudhry said.

Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry said that peace in Afghanistan is in the interest of both Pakistan and the US. Pakistan’s hard-won economic and security gains would be at risk as long as Afghanistan remains unstable.

While commenting on the role and responsibilities of the journalists in the modern era, Ambassador Chaudhry appreciated the vibrant role being played by the print and electronic media to safeguard the public interest in Pakistan. Ambassador urged the journalists to follow the principles of objectivity, fairness, accuracy and impartiality in their reporting. Journalism is a ‘sacred responsibility’, he added.

During his remarks the ambassador admired the role of Pakistani American community in enhancing the image of Pakistan through their remarkable contributions in various fields of life in the US Ambassador Chaudhry also appreciated the role of Pakistani American journalists who, being an important segment of the Pakistani American community are playing a significant role of keeping the community informed and helping them in opinion formation on various issues.