Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan relations with the United States constituted an important element of its foreign policy and that we have a longstanding and broad-based relationship with the US. He said that we are desirous to deepened and broaden this relationship and to continue working closely with the US to promote regional and international peace and stability. US Embassy's Minister Counsellor for political affairs Zach Harkenrider called on Chairman Senate today in Islamabad and exchanged views on matters of bilateral significance. Chairman Senate also congratulated the US President Donald Trump on his victory in the elections and said that we are desirous of working closely with the new Trump administration to foster peaceful and secure future that respects the sovereignty and aspirations of all nations. Chairman Senate observed that our bilateral relationship is on the upward trajectory and it is important to maintain the current positive momentum. The Chairman Senate also expressed the desire to working with US on diverse areas including climate change, mitigation and adaptation , energy transition , water management, climate smart agriculture biodiversity and waste management. He said that US investment in different sectors would be more productive for Pakistani economy and will help in sustainable economic development. He, however, underscored the need to further increase the trade volume between the two countries. He also encouraged US companies to explore new areas for investment in Pakistan. We are desirous of diversifying our bilateral trade relationship with the US, Chairman Senate said. The Chairman Senate also acknowledged the importance of high level visit and recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2008-2012 fruitful discussions took place. He said that there is need to further expedite parliamentary and high level exchanges and promote people to people contacts. Chairman Senate informed that during the recent past he was able to witness the signing ceremony of an event in which Punjab and California were declared sister states. During the meeting Chairman Senate also expressed deep sorrow over the recent air craft crashes in the US acknowledging the tragic loss of lives and extending condolences to the families affected. Chairman Senate emphasized Pakistan role in regional peace including efforts to facilitate stability in Afghanistan and support ongoing dialogue for peace and security in South Asia. Highlighting the importance of regional peace, the Chairman Senate observed that peace in the region would have a lasting impact on global peace and stability. Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani observed that we are focusing on peaceful development and doing our best to avoid getting into a conflict or bloc politics. Our focus is on geo-economics rather than geopolitics, Gilani said. He further said that we want to have a better and constructive relations with all regional countries despite bilateral challenges that afflict the region. He also lauded Pakistani diaspora's role and said that the diaspora is playing a crucial role in bridging the relationship between the two countries and people to people contacts are a significant aspect of this relationship.
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