Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Office of the Spokesman)
Published: 02-22-08
US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congressman Michael Burgess called on the President this afternoon. Senator Hutchison and Congressman Burgess congratulated the President on the holding of free and fair elections which they thought would lead to stable political environment in the country. They also appreciated the President’s leadership and Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism.
Welcoming the US legislators the President said that he saw the elections as victory for the democratic process and for moderation in Pakistan. Expressing the view that the elections could prove to be a major stabilizing factor in Pakistan the President emphasized the need to continue with the goals of political stability economic growth and fighting terrorism.
At Senator Hutchison’s request the President informed the visiting US legislators about Pakistan’s comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism which combined military action with political and socio-economic measures. He affirmed that Pakistan was fighting terrorism in its own interest and was pursuing the right course that needed to have a political dimension and socio-economic programme.
The President appreciated the US assistance to Pakistan and in this respect appreciated and underscored the importance of the role of the Appropriations Committee. Senator Hutchison is an influential member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chairs the Republican Policy Committee in the Congress. Congressman Burgess serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Islamabad
22 February 2008
U.S. Congressional Delegation Meets PPP’s Zardari
Islamabad February 22 2008 – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Representative Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas) called on Pakistan Peoples Party
Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at Zardari House here today and offered condolences on the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
The U.S. Congressional delegation also congratulated Mr. Zardari over the success of his party in the recently-held elections. During their meeting they also discussed matters pertaining to the transition to democracy rule of law counter-terrorism and Pakistan-U.S. development strategy in FATA.
Earlier Senator Hutchison and Representative Burgess met with President Pervez Musharraf in Rawalpindi.
American Ambassador Anne W. Patterson accompanied the Congressional delegation in their meetings.
