ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has emphasised that bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US are of vital importance.
Addressing his first gathering of US media persons from mainstream print and electronic media at the Embassy of Pakistan, he said the relation spans over seven decades, and despite having highs and lows are marked with long standing partnership in various fields.
He referred to the role of Pakistani-American community and that there said are more than a million Pakistanis who are serving as a constructive bridge between Pakistan and US.
He stated that both countries have multifaceted relationship and are working together under the umbrella of six working groups in various fields including education, defence, energy and counter-terrorism.
Ambassador Chaudhry underscored the changing reality of a resurgent Pakistan, and informed that the country has developed national consensus by initiating Operation Zarb-e-Azab against terrorism which has yielded tangible results.
“At present, on-going operation Rad-ul-Fasaad is directed towards eliminating remnants of terrorists,” he said adding that the government, security forces and the people of Pakistan have vowed to eliminate terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
He remarked this campaign has reduced the terrorism-related incidents significantly and has positive effect on the economy.
“These successes have paved way for the economic turnaround in Pakistan as all the economic indicators have been showing upward trends,” said Ambassador Chaudhry.
He underscored that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would not only benefit Pakistan, but positively affect the entire region.
“Pakistan’s historic relations with China should not be seen as a zero sum game for any country,” he remarked.
While responding to a question on Afghanistan, he said that there was no military solution to the situation, and the only way out is to have an Afghan-led political solution to restore peace and stability in the country.
“Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan are of crucial importance. The instability in Afghanistan has a spillover effect in the entire region including Pakistan being an immediate neighbor,” he said.
He reiterated that Pakistan wants good relations with India, but every time the dialogue process is halted, it eventually helps the terrorists to have their way.
“It is imperative that Pakistan and India should engage in a meaningful dialogue and play a positive role for peace and stability of the region,” he concluded.
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