Ambassador
Aizaz Chaudhry participated as a Chief Guest in ‘Ambassador Insider Series’ an
event organized by The Washington Diplomat,a US monthly newspaper. The
event was attended by a number of present and former Ambassadors, Congress and
Senate Staffers, State Department officials and prominent media persons, says a
press release received from Washington here today.
In his
opening remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry briefed the participants about the
latest Security and economic situation in Pakistan, particularly after it has
achieved numerous successes in its relentless efforts against terrorists during
past four years. Referring to the current state of bilateral relations, the
Ambassador stated that Pakistan greatly values its relations with the US
spanning over seven decades. “No doubt, the relationship has seen many ups and
downs in the past however, both the countries greatly benefited whenever they
worked together”, the Ambassador added. There might be some misunderstandings
in the relations at the moment but eventually both the countries will be
able to clear these misunderstandings through positive and constructive
engagement both at political and diplomatic levels, he hoped.
In response
to a question by the moderator, Anna Gawel, Managing Editor of The Washington
Diplomat,Ambassador Chaudhry said that there are lessons to be learnt from the
successes achieved by Pakistan in the war against terrorism. We have reversed
the tide of terrorism only after rendering tremendous sacrifices, in terms of
lives and resources,in fighting the menace effectively.The number of terrorists
incidents taking place in the country have been reduced significantly leaving a
salutary effect on our economy as all our key economic indicators are showing
tremendous improvement.Pakistan is now being recognized as an emerging economy
which has enormous potential of growth. “International business firms including
corporate America are keen to make investments in Pakistan which signifies
investors’ confidence in Pakistan’s growing economy”. Ambassador added.
While
responding to another question, Ambassador Chaudhry said that it is not fair to
look at Pakistan through a narrow prism of Afghanistan. Pakistan, with a
population of more than 200 million people and tremendous economic &
natural resources including vibrant youth is an important country in the region
and has played and will continue to play the most significant role in bringing
peace and stability in the region. While reiterating Pakistan’s firm commitment
in supporting efforts of the international community including USA for bringing
peace in Afghanistan, Ambassador said that since Afghanistan is not a military
problem,there is no military solution to it.
A holistic regional approach aimed at finding a political solution is required and Pakistan will play its due role in any such efforts, he added. Referring to the South Asia Strategy announced by President Trump, the Ambassador said that both the countries have started engaging each other at various levels to overcome the stalemate in relations witnessed immediately after the announcement of SA Strategy.
A number of
high level bilateral visits and meetings particularly between Prime Minister
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Vice President Mike Pence in New York last month and
meeting between the two Foreign Ministers earlier this month have paved way to
carry forward this engagement as Secretary Rex Tillerson is expected to visit
Islamabad soon.
In his
concluding remarks, Ambassador Chaudhry thanked the organizers of The
Washington Diplomat, for organizing such a prestigious event where distinguished
guests from all walks of life participated.
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