Islamabad – Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with the United States, describing bilateral ties as an important pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy based on mutual respect, shared objectives, and forward-looking cooperation. US Consul General in Lahore Stetson Sanders called on Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in the provincial capital and exchanged views on matter relating to Pakistan-US ties , trade and investment besides regional peace and security, said a press release issued here on Saturday.
During the meeting, Gilani appreciated the confidence reposed by President Donald Trump and his administration in Pakistan’s constructive role for regional peace and diplomacy. He noted that Pakistan was pleased to host the historic Islamabad Talks, which facilitated direct dialogue between the United States and Iran and underscored Pakistan’s role as a responsible stakeholder in promoting peace and stability. The chairman Senate highlighted the positive momentum generated through recent high-level engagements between the two countries and emphasized the need to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, energy, minerals, health, education and agriculture. Referring to economic relations, he stated that the United States remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners and the largest destination for Pakistani exports. He welcomed the growing bilateral trade and the successful conclusion of the US-Pakistan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade.
He also invited greater American investment in Pakistan’s agriculture, IT, mining and minerals and energy sectors. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stated that the United States continues to be a major investor in Pakistan, with American enterprises contributing significantly to employment generation and economic development. On regional peace and security, he acknowledged the efforts of President Trump and the US Administration in facilitating a ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for constructive relations with all countries in the region while safeguarding its national interests and security.
Expressing concern over India’s unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, the chairman Senate said that any attempt to use water as a tool of coercion undermines regional stability and threatens the livelihoods and food security of millions of Pakistanis. He called upon the international community to support the restoration of treaty obligations and adherence to international law. Highlighting parliamentary diplomacy, the chairman Senate underscored the importance of exchanges between legislators of both countries. He recalled Pakistan’s participation in parliamentary engagements at the United Nations and welcomed further exchanges between Pakistani and US parliamentarians to strengthen mutual understanding. The chairman Senate also emphasized the vital role of people-to-people contacts in enhancing bilateral relations. He praised the contributions of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in the United States and acknowledged the role of Pakistani students studying in American universities as future ambassadors of goodwill between the two nations. He expressed confidence that Pakistan–US relations would continue to expand across diverse fields for the mutual benefit of both countries and peoples.
