Outgoing US envoy calls on prime minister

US Ambassador Anne Patterson is set to leave Pakistan this week after managing complicated diplomatic ties.

ISLAMABAD: After effectively managing multi-layered and complicated diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington, US Ambassador Anne Patterson is set to leave Pakistan this week.

The outgoing American Ambassador, whose three-year eventful stay in Pakistan comes to an end, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Monday.

Dr Cameron Munter, who is a close aide of US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke, will be her successor in Islamabad.

Commenting on the role of the outgoing ambassador, the prime minister said she played a key role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

“Pakistan considers her a true friend and an outstanding representative of the US,” said Gilani.

He noted that during her tenure Pakistan’s friendship with United States had been transformed into a comprehensive partnership.

Reciprocating views expressed by the prime minister, Ambassador Patterson said that she was pleased to see the transformation of the bilateral relations into a long-term strategic partnership beneficial for both the countries.

She also recalled the transition phase of the return of democracy in Pakistan and considered it as significant.

Appreciating the prime minister’s reconciliatory role in parliament to resolve major national issues, she lauded Pakistan’s contributions in the war against terrorism and said that the sacrifices made by the people and the armed forces are duly recognised by the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2010.