US ambassador’s visit: Olson meets political, business leaders

The ambassador also attended flag lowering ceremony at Wagha border.

LAHORE:

US Ambassador Richard Olson met a number of political and business leaders during his visit to the city.

According to a press release, issued by the US Consulate General, Ambassador Olson met with Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. During the meetings he described the relationship between the US and Pakistan as “critically important”.

The governor said Pakistan had made valiant sacrifices in the war on terror. Ambassador Olson told the governor that the United States looked forward to a timely and transparent democratic transition in Pakistan.

During his trip, the ambassador inaugurated the Lahore chapter of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), which will represent the interests of American businesses in the Punjab.  Addressing leaders of the American Business Forum, he said that its “work with the advisory council will improve the business environment and attract potential new investors by helping them understand how to manage security risks in the region.”

Ambassador Olson witnessed the lowering of the flags ceremony at Wagha border and visited Allama Iqbal’s tomb, the Badshahi Masjid, and the Alamgiri Gate at Lahore Fort (that was restored with support from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation).  He also paid his respects at the Data Darbar.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2013.