Pak-US friendship: Consul General wants closer cultural ties

Michael Dodman says Pakistan sends more than 100 students to the US on Fulbright scholarship.

KARACHI:

The new US consul general, Michael Dodman, said that he wanted to bring Pakistan and US together culturally and economically.

He was speaking at a conference on ‘Pakistan-US Friendship and Importance of Culture’ in the Pakistan American Cultural Center on Thursday. “I believe in strengthening ties [between the two countries] and making sure we stand on solid footing,” he said. “My focus has been business and trade, and that is what brought me to Karachi.”

While listing academic exchange programmes that US has initiated, he mentioned that Pakistan sends more than 100 students to the US on Fulbright scholarship, which is more than any other country. He said that cultural and educational programmes could bridge the gaps between people.

With reference to musical talent in both countries, Dodman said that he enjoyed listening to Pakistani band Noori and singer Arieb Azhar when they performed at the Daniel Pearl Music Day. “I wish that prominent jazz bands from the US could play in Pakistan but unfortunately such exchanges are not taking place.”

After the speech, a musical performance was put up by Aziz Kazi, Ahsan Bari, Sheroz Hussain and others who presented a beautiful blend of eastern and western music.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2012.