ISLAMABAD - A US Congressional delegation led by Senator Joe Donnelly held a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednesday in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. The US delegation also included Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Chris Murphy, Congressman Peter Welch, and US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson.

The two sides exchanged views on current status of bilateral relations, upcoming elections in Pakistan, and regional issues including the situation in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Secretary underscored the traditional importance of Pakistan’s relationship with the United States of America and apprised the US legislators about various facets of the relationship particularly related to people to people contacts and benefit. He appreciated the US Congressional support for growth of democracy in Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary also briefed the US side on recent developments with regard to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The US Congressional delegation acknowledged the importance of Pakistan-US relationship in the current international environment and reiterated support to the development of democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. The US side also took note of Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and prosperity. (PR)