PM Imran Khan and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. PHOTO: AFP
During his meeting with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the premier exchanged views on matters relating to Pakistan-US relations and regional developments, said a statement.
PM Imran added during the meeting that peace in the region was vitally important for the promotion of Pakistan’s development agenda and further said that Islamabad had extended its full support to facilitate direct talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban, which had made progress.
“The prime minister also shared his vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia. He stressed that this could be achieved through peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes and building a stable and cooperative relationship,” added the statement.
During the premier's address to members of the US Congress, he reiterated his earlier commitment to US President Donald Trump and told lawmakers in Washington that the entire country and the Pakistani armed forces are on the same page to achieve a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict.
PM Imran also reiterated Pakistan's sacrifices in the 15-year war on terror.
"More than 70,000 Pakistani people died and our economy suffered billions of dollars lost in the war against terror. Pakistan fought the US war of terror even though we had nothing to do with 9/11, al-Qaeda was in Afghanistan and there were no militant Taliban in Pakistan," he said adding that bilateral relations between both countries going forward must be based on "mutual trust".
PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN"Pakistan is misunderstood here, specifically in the last 15 years when the war on terror was being fought in Afghanistan and on our borders," he added.
US Congress Speaker Nancy Pelosi, members of Congress and the Co-Chair of Pakistan-US Caucus had welcomed and warmly received the prime minister at Capitol Hill.
They appreciated the role Pakistan is playing especially in the Afghan peace process, stating the premier had made history by proposing a solution to the lingering Afghan issue.
They also lauded PM Imran's endeavors for maintaining peace in the region, while also accepting Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terror and militancy.
Members of Congress also stated the US will cooperate with Pakistan in education and renewable energy sectors.
The lawmakers also presented a copy of the Special Resolution introduced in the Congress to welcome Prime Minister Imran Khan's inaugural visit to the USA to reaffirm the continuing support and commitment to the long and enduring friendship between Pakistan and the US.
Prime Minister Imran Khan concluded his three-day visit to Washington and departed for Pakistan on Tuesday. During his visit, the premier held talks with US President Donald Trump, interacted with Congressional leaders and addressed a think tank.
The Afghan peace process remained at the top of the agenda during his meetings with members of the Trump administration.
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