LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appreciated the constructive and positive role of the United States amid the Pakistan-India strained relations recently.
During a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker and Consul General Kristin K Hawkins, she highlighted the active and positive role of the United States and deemed it highly important for attaining sustainable peace in the South Asian region.
Pakistan-US relations are a valuable partnership based on shared values and strategic interests, she said.
The chief minister reaffirmed her keenness to strengthen the cordial relations between Punjab and California.
She expressed solidarity with the people of California on being a sister state and described her meeting with the US Congressional Pakistan Caucus as positive and constructive.
She highlighted, “Pakistan is emerging as a strategic partner for the United States in various sectors, including textile. Punjab is the largest and most economically vibrant province in the country and welcomes US investment and cooperation in multiple sectors. The Pakistani-American community play the role of a strong bridge in further strengthening cordial relations between the two countries.”
She outlined, “We deem the United States as an important global ally on confronting formidable challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainable development. The Punjab government is keen to further expand its strategic partnership with the United States.”
Matters pertaining to strengthening the long-standing Pakistan-US relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting.
The chief minister thanked Natalie A Baker for supporting Lahore Qalandars in the PSL tournament.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated in her message on the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, “The everlasting solution to the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Occupied Kashmir is only possible by initiating meaningful dialogue. The international community has to decide and ascertain whether we will continue to lift the dead bodies of innocent children or choose the path of peace through dialogue.” She said dialogue among civilizations is the path needed to attain peace, progress and safeguard the humanity.
Adopting a culture of respect and tolerance is an effective response to war and hatred.
The chief minister said, “Pakistan is a peaceful country, which has always advocated dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among the comity of nations. We all have to comprehend the spirit of dialogue and abandon the attitude of considering differences, which triggers undue hostility among the nations.”
