Fresh start: US ambassador comes with new promises

Richard Olson acknowledges pledges to improve ties.

ISLAMABAD:

Newly-appointed US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on Monday acknowledged Islamabad’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and promised to work towards further improving ties between the two countries.

Olson – who assumed office last week – met Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.

An official statement revealed that the foreign minister welcomed the ambassador and underscored the importance of Pakistan’s relations with the US in terms of strategic partnership approaches.

She hoped that during his tenure relations would further be strengthened and a positive trajectory will be maintained.

She underlined the need to continue to focus on positive narratives in the relationship such as revival of the bilateral strategic dialogue process, infrastructure and development projects and strengthening of economic and commercial relations.

Khar particularly outlined the important role of US assistance in the development of Pakistan’s energy sector.

Ambassador Olson reaffirmed his government’s commitment to work with Pakistan to achieve shared objectives which also include peace and stability in the region.

He appreciated the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

He briefed Foreign Minister Khar on the working group meetings in the coming months on economy and finance, energy, defence and water issues.

The two sides also discussed the ongoing developments in the region including Afghanistan, the statement said.

Khar-Warsi meeting

Meanwhile, Baroness Syeda Warsi, Britian’s senior minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, also met the foreign minister.

Khar congratulated Baroness Warsi on her appointment as the first Muslim woman minister in the British cabinet with important portfolios. Baroness Warsi was the co-chair of the Conservative Party prior to her new appointment.

Foreign Minister Khar acknowledged the valuable contribution made by Baroness Warsi towards enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral relations by establishing the Conservative Friends of Pakistan Forum in May this year.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction at the existing level of bilateral relations that are based on mutual respect and interest. Foreign Minister Khar acknowledged the development assistance provided to Pakistan by the UK in various fields — especially in the education and health sectors.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2012.