ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the US President for National Security Council for South Asian Affairs, Dr. Peter Lavoy met Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here Thursday.
He was accompanied by US Ambassador Richard G.Olson, US under Secretary Ms Rose Gottemoeller. Pakistan Director, National Security Council, Borany Penh and Robert Garverick, Economic Counsellor, US Embassy.
The Finance Minister welcomed the visiting delegation saying, “we have a wonderful relationship with the US and we wish to carry it forward”.
Dr. Peter Lavoy thereafter discussed with the Finance Minister the likely visit of Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif’s visit to the US. He said the US looked forward to this visit, hoping to discuss important facets of Pak-US Economic Cooperation. He said that US wanted to see Pakistan attracting foreign investment and believed that she could achieve that by ensuring peace and eradicating the scourge of militancy. Director, National Security Council, Borany Penh at this juncture outlined events that the US planned to facilitate enhanced economic, trade and commercial cooperation with Pakistan.
Dr. Peter Lavoy termed Pakistan’s economic achievements under the present government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, as a “remarkable success story”. He also appreciated the successful conclusion of the 8th IMF review and said reaching this stage was a singular achievement by Pakistan which was a manifestation of high level of fiscal and financial discipline that was introduced by the present government.
The accompanying US under Secretary Rose Gottemoeller at this juncture added that both Pakistan and the US have been engaged in a very meaningful strategic dialogue over the year which has moved in a very positive direction, signifying continued growth in the bilateral ties.
Finance Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar said achieving economic stability was the main objective enshrined in the PML-N election manifesto. He said with dedicated efforts we have achieved economic stability, re-engaged all international financial institutions. We have re-entered the international bond and sukuk market and our economic rating has moved from negative to stable and now to positive and “now we are all set to tread on the path of growth”, the Minister remarked. He said though the economic challenges were still there, the government had a great resolve to meet all these challenges and ensure economic prosperity in the country. The Minister also briefed the US delegation about the government’s efforts for alleviating the energy problem in the country which along with political stability was also necessary for economic development. The Minister also on this occasion lauded the services of Ambassador Richard G. Olson in furthering the cause of Pak-US relations.
