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Congressional delegation led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi meets with President Musharraf
President Musharraf underscored the importance Pakistan attached to a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with the United States. He noted the development of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. The President stressed the significance of strong trade and economic ties to underpin an enduring relationship. Initiatives like the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and FATA Sustainable Development Plan were important in this regard. The President also stressed the importance of strong defence ties. President Musharraf stated that Pakistan's resolve to fight extremism and terrorism was unshakeable. The Congressional delegation was apprised of the comprehensive strategy being followed by Pakistan – comprising political, military, administrative and economic tracks. The President underlined that a holistic approach was essential to effectively combat the challenges of extremism and terrorism. While noting the importance of military means, he emphasized that the solution lay essentially in a political approach. The President referred to the misperceptions in sections of the Western media about Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism. He stressed that the U.S. Congress could help in removing these misperceptions. The Congressional delegation, for its part, affirmed the strategic importance of U.S.-Pakistan relations. The delegation reiterated continued U.S. support for closer bilateral cooperation in different fields. It lauded Pakistan 's role in the war against terrorism and sacrifices made by the country. The delegation expressed appreciation for the President's concept of Enlightened Moderation and the steps taken towards its realization. President Musharraf told the delegation that it was in Pakistan 's vital interest to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan . In this regard, the Congressional delegation was informed about the measures taken by Pakistan to strengthen control and management along the Pak-Afghan border. The President underlined that security along the border was a joint responsibility. The need for all sides to enhance coordination was emphasized. He said that a comprehensive plan for repatriation of Afghan refugees would help to promote security. The delegation appreciated Pakistan 's valuable contribution to the peace and stabilization process in Afghanistan . The Congressional delegation appreciated Pakistan 's success in eradicating poppy cultivation. The delegation expressed interest in the U.S. and Pakistan cooperating to assist drug eradication efforts in Afghanistan. The President briefed the Congressional delegation on the Pakistan-India peace process and efforts for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir . He underlined the need to seize the historic opportunity before the two countries to resolve Kashmir . He underlined that the U.S. support efforts to promote durable peace and stability in South Asia.
The Congressional delegation comprises Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and six other leading members of the House of Representatives -- including Tom Lantos (Chairman, House International Relations Committee), Ike Skelton (Chairman, House Armed Services Committee), Silvestre Reyes (Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence), John Murtha (Chairman, Defence Appropriations Sub-Committee), Congresswoman Nita Lowey (Chairperson, Foreign Operations Appropriations Sub-Committee) and David Hobson (Member, Defence Appropriations Sub-Committee).
Islamabad 27 January 2007 |
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A high-level U.S. Congressional delegation, led by Speaker of the House of Representatives Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, called on President General Pervez Musharraf at the Army House today. The discussions covered Pakistan-U.S. relations and regional issues of common interest. 
The President informed the delegation about his recent visit to the Middle Eastern countries to exchange views with their leaders on the deteriorating situation in the region, especially the Palestine issue. He told the delegation that the situation in Palestine was at the centre of the tension and conflict in the region and emphasized the need for resolving the Palestinian issue to promote peace and stability in the region. The President also shared his perspective on the situation in the Middle East and Iraq with the delegation.