President Musharraf's Visit to the United States

President Musharraf visited the US from June 23rd-29th 2003. The visit had an over-riding economic focus. Two agreements: Tariff and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), and the Science and Technology (Samp&T) Agreement were signed during the visit. TIFA lays the foundation for a Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and the US. It allows larger market access, enhanced economic activity and would lead to a higher GDP growth in Pakistan. The Samp&T Agreement facilitates Pakistan's access to American technology and training institutes.

President Musharraf had extensive discussions with President George W. Bush on other important issues including political and defense cooperation and cooperation in the war on terrorism. The historic talks at Camp David on June 23rd symbolized a future of stable alliance between the two nations that US officials termed "the beginning of a new page in US-Pakistan relations."

President Bush announced a three billion dollar aid package for Pakistan. The package will be spread over a period of five years. Half of the total amount will be used for economic development while the other half is for defence related expenditure.

President Musharraf briefed President Bush about the proposals Pakistan has made to normalize relations with India and the initiatives that have been taken to strengthen the government in Afghanistan. Pakistan's role in combating international terrorism, and situation in the Middle East, particularly Iraq were also discussed.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld; Treasury Secretary John Snow Secretary of State Colin Powell, and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage called on President Musharraf. Vice President Dick Cheney hosted a lunch for the President at his residence. On the Hill, the President addressed the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Senators and Congressmen lauded the role played by Pakistan in the elimination of Al-Qaeda, on peace initiatives with India, economic uplift, and promotion of education. President Musharraf also met with media representatives from CNN, FOX, ABC, The Washington Post and Washington Times, among others.

In his address at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) on the 25th, the President talked about discrimination faced by the law-abiding Pakistani-American community, urging the US to review its immigration and naturalization policies. He also said that he sees Pakistan's future to be one of enlightened moderation in light of the ideals espoused by the Father of the Nation, M.A. Jinnah. He said "there is no room for religious extremism in Pakistan". He said the Government of Pakistan was committed to protecting minorities and women. Significant progress has been made to empower Pakistan's women as, "41,000 women sit in political authority at various tiers of Government".

The President inaugurated the newly-built Embassy of Pakistan in Washington D.C. The President announced that the old chancery building will be converted into "Jinnah House" and be used to promote the cultural and business interests of Pakistan.

In Los Angeles, President Musharraf met with businessmen and the foreign policy community to discuss Pakistan's role with regards to current economic and political challenges. In his speech at the World Affairs Council in LA, President Musharraf said the US can play a key role in resolving world disputes peacefully and that Pakistan is willing to help America in this endeavor.

Washington, DC
July 1, 2003