Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his wife arrive at Andrews airbase in Washington. PHOTO: PID
The premier will also meet US Secretary of State John Kerry ahead of his meeting with the American president.
“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received a warm, red-carpet welcome from US diplomats upon reaching Washington today (Sunday),” Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani told Daily Express in the US capital.
“He [the prime minister] will hold a one-on-one meeting with President Obama to discuss a host of issues, including regional security and energy matters,” he said. The two heads of state will particularly focus on the situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the 2014 withdrawal of US forces from the war torn country, he added.
Jilani termed Prime Minister Nawaz’s meeting with the President Obama of ‘utmost importance’ given that both countries were key partners in the global war on terror.
Political observers in Washington are optimistic that Pakistan-US ties will head towards improvement once the two heads of state sit down together. The two countries will still have to deal with a range of contentious issues, such as the CIA-led drone campaign in Pakistan’s tribal areas, allegations of cross-border militancy and concerns about post-2014 Afghanistan.
Both Pakistani and US experts on South Asia say the two sides must build trust as they enter a new phase in their relationship. Islamabad’s support for the Afghan reconciliation process and the availability of its overland routes are considered crucial for the smooth withdrawal of American combat troops from landlocked Afghanistan.
In order to reflect and encourage the improvement in relations, the Obama administration has recently moved to expedite the release of more than $1 billion in previously approved military and economic assistance. Washington has also promised to reimburse the Pakistani military’s counterterrorism expenses.
Both countries have their own concerns regarding Afghanistan. Pakistan, in particular, worries whether post-war Afghanistan will be stable enough to prosper.
According to various estimates, 1.5 million to 3 million Afghan refugees currently live in Pakistan. Already struggling with billions of dollars in debt and a stagnant economy, Pakistan is ill-equipped to handle a new refugee crisis.
If security tops Obama’s agenda, the economy is Nawaz’s biggest worry.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2013.
COMMENTS (42)
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@Pakistani: Really? Do you think its 70s or 80s? Still living in past ? When would you guys get up and smell the coffee? World has moved on long time back. India and US relations are on a different level altogether and India has no reason to loose any sleep over a Pakistani PM visiting US. India knows the stature of Pakistan in the world and at best this visit would just only bring some aid to Pakistan, nothing more than that.
Welcom to USA. Welcome PEACE.
Pakistan Zindabad. Waiting for evergreen friendship, joint venture and peace in the region. The Indian are afraid that......that ......oh my God.....that Taliban are comming. As soon JKashmir is released then Taliban have no other choice, just become a freeman and can get Indian Visa to see and meet Mr. Khan and Taj Mahal. Peace....only a peace.
@Sarah: Narrow minded. Are you married???? do you go for friendship dinner, alone ????
@Appauled: You are missing the point. It is the safety of AMERICAN President.
@Pakistani: Your answer is bombshell to jealous people, look above comments. Haven't seen the world. Welldone Bro.
@Mazher Mehboob: Are you talking about India. Pakistan average people have more money the the GOVT.
@It Is (still) Economy Stupid: Jealoous dood. History has proved, that Pakistan has sacrificed a lots in friendship of America. What else friend can give more. Actually Pakistan doesn't needs money, but mutual respects and joint venture in economy, science and industrial progress with educational technology for the betterment of the peoples. For the people. .Geographically Pakistan is a mild stone for neighbors and best friend for the joint venture and peaceful champion according to UNO. Pakistan is self sufficient in resources of mineral, in agricultural, in science and technology, with multicultural inhabitant, Finally, a best partners to resolve the worldly issues., friends of SEATO, SENTO and NATO. The best partner of UNO. Now Out reach another power OF Russia to established a peace in the region.
He did not traveled by private jet plane. Look at the plane and you will see the mark line of "Pakistan Air Force" which is officially meant for the the high official tours. There is a red carpet also and you can see the soldier left and right align for the guard of Honor . So it is a so called issue that PM of Pakistan being insulted.
As our Secretary of State, John Kerry has said, we welcome the arrival of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the United States. We are looking forward to having official, high-level meetings with him in which we could discuss issues important to both our countries and our bilateral relations in the coming future. These discussions will further include a broad range of domestic and regional issues such as security, counter-terrorism cooperation, Pakistan’s energy sector, bilateral trade and investment, and the common interest in a secure and stable Afghanistan. These are the issues that bring both countries closer, and we have to realize that it is in the mutual interest of both countries to be able to solve their differences and work together towards a better future.
Haroon Ahmad DET – U.S. Central Command
@Ch. Allah Daad:
You are wrong, Sir. Ayub Khan was received by JFK. If you see the video, JFK walks up the stairs to greet him.
@MK:
The PAF Gulfstream seen in the picture did not bring the PM from Islamabad. That should be obvious.
So obviously, NA and his legion of flunkies traveled some other way. How they came no one knows. It must have been some commercial flight or the Qatar-donated Airbus A 310.
So this Gulfstream flew all the way to NY, so that NS (minus his flunkies) could be transported to Washington DC in style, a flight time of 30 minutes. It will probably sit there for four days, fly him to NY again, and then return to Pakistan.
@Tight Patloon:
Because unlike the "average Pakistani" Sharif understands that USA controls most of Pakistan's high margin exports, controls most of your sources for international loans, controls whether you receive spare parts for your American made air force, and probably has enough diplomatic leverage to get the UN to label Pakistan as a supporter of terrorist with all the embargoes associated with it. In short - if the average Pakistan had it's way he would be sitting in the dark, unemployed, wondering why there was no power, no money and no hope.
@Appauled:::Have a second look at the picture,carefully,RED CARPET is there,if not any thing else
@Ch. Allah Daad: Some people have a rash. They cant help themselves. Anyways, to bust your bubble, state level protocol is given to The Chair - whoever is sitting on it. Have you ever seen Nawaz or family travelling on personal visit? Even Mush? Just wait when Imran Khan is PM. You shall see the difference. Hatred is not good for your health.
@For all the misers: How come you forget the fact that PM travelled in a plane of PAF? You should be proud. Do you expect your PM to travel in rags? Most of you are typing comments using fancy laptops and computers and smartphones. So much for your chants of modesty. @ET: Hopefully, PM will not be kicked out after four days trip. Perhaps he can ask US to stop Paki aid and vacate Pakistan and let our Army uproot TTP for good. If America is gone, I am sure 95% of Pakistanis shall support thorough operation. We have suffered too much. All wars of the world are settled in our country, damn our policies.
Why Nawaz Shareef travelled to USA when there is so much of anti- Americanism in Pakistan? Why Pakistan wants to involve America in Kashmir issue when most Pakistanis want to snap ties with USA?
@Parvez Amin:
"Why was the taxpayer’s money spent on this luxury jet? Who has been travelling in this grossly ostentatious aircraft and why?"
Why? Because Pakistan was created to make sure the powerful and wealthy elite did eternally keep all the power, wealth and privilege.
@Imran: Yes a one elected by rigging
Seems like either our PM is afraid of travelling through PIA or he knew that no particular political figure will come to receive him at the airport, that's the reason he chose to travel by PAF plane.
@Ali: its always good to see dreams
While these rightwing leaders keep talking about drone attacks and how we will pressure America to stop them. The whole story does not mention the word drone! They talk big in Pakistan and have close relationship with TTP but in the US they pretend to be partner in war against terrorists. Yet they show disgust and anger when people like OBL are killed. No wonder PIA is losing its shirt when even the PM of country does not use it. If the same amount of money were spent on PIA by taking the whole front rows it would be much better.
@elahi: What else should she be wearing btw? I have seen former Sec of States. Ms. Hillary Clinton in similar dress on her official trips.
@jibran: All V.V.I.Ps who travel to USA are greeted at White House where President receives them and Welcome Ceremony is held. I haven't heard or seen that US President ever went to airport to receive a head of state. Mian Sahib is a well respected world leader. Wherever he goes, he is given full protocol, unlike Imran Khan who is stopped and insulted at airports.
SHOCKING!!
Check-out the dressing of that american girl in the picture next to kulsoom. She's not even professionally dressed-up to receive the Head of a State. Probably some office secretary. This is the respect we get in america.
To all haters: you will continue to burn in jealousy against Pakistani Government of MNS but he will secure the best from USA for Pakistan InshaAllah. Long Live Pakistan
was that necessary to accompany wife? i mean is he going on an official trip or family trip?
@MK PIA does not operate to Washington. Also, Mr Sharif is wise enough to know that travelling on PIA means putting his life at risk. Hence he opted for a private jet.
Well what happened to PROTOCOL??? he is the Prime Minister of this country and was recieved by a NOBODY from the American Govt.??? and you call that RED CARPET TREATMENT?
@It Is (still) Economy Stupid: Good Joke....
And who received him at the airport again?
@MK, Presence of a VVIP in a commercial flght is not practicle. Its not only annoying to other passengers, its a security risk too. The security of our Prime Minister is more important than money spent on his travel.
Guess what! Some Sleepless nights in Delhi :)
The mandate of he PAF is to protect Pakistan. Why was the taxpayer's money spent on this luxury jet? Who has been travelling in this grossly ostentatious aircraft and why? ET please do a detailed investigative report that proves the value of this expenditure of public money.
Would love to see IK walking these red carpets some day.
"Just wondering, why didn’t he travel on a public airline, PIA??" Really??....He's the Prime Minister for God's sake.
To all the people crying out loud about the cost of the trip, in a country where the death toll of lawmakers is probably the highest in the world, the PM should be allowed to travel in an executive jet run by the PAF. And to those suggesting that he take PIA, i have yet to hear of a head of state who travels in a commercial airline ( unless a flight is completely bought out) regularly.
Indeed a shameful act demonstrating that u can spend that much on your journey at a global stage. Where you just resume US aid of 1.6bln deal. How can you forget ppl starving in your country. How can u jst keep a blind eye that other nations are not watching u.
A long range executive jet owned by the Pakistan Airforce ! This plane costs US $33 million and operating cost is more than $5000 per hour - which means a return trip to Washington cost more than $150000. Could he not traveled in his own PIA ?
Just wondering, why didn't he travel on a public airline, PIA?? Where is the "saadgi" he used to scream about in his pre-election speeches??
Picture is worth thousand words. Look at those American children waiving Pakistani flag chanting America Pakistan bhai bhai. Congress awarded Nawaz Sharif Nishan-e-America, for friendship higher than -----,on arrival at the Andrews Airport.