US Ambassador Richard Olson calls on Nawaz Sharif

Lahore: The PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has expressed the hope that Pakistan-US relations will improve during President Obama’s second term in office with respect being shown for Pakistan’s sovereignty and relations based on the principle of mutual respect and mutual interest. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made these remarks during the course of the courtesy call on him by the new US Ambassador to Pakistan, Amb. Richard Olson in Jati Umra, Lahore today.

The former Prime Minister offered his congratulations to the newly appointed Ambassador and expressed his good wishes for his success in this important assignment. In this context, he emphasized that cordial and cooperative ties between the two countries were not only important for them, but for peace and stability in this region as well. He expressed the hope that given Amb. Olson’s long experience in the region, his tenure would be marked by greater understanding and appreciation of what needed to be done to raise the level of their bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade sectors. Nawaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan did not need aid, but greater opportunities for enhancing its trade with the major powers, while welcoming foreign investment, especially in the critical sectors of energy and power. This would also help reduce extremism and militancy in the country.

While thanking Nawaz Sharif for the opportunity of having a warm and friendly exchange, Amb. Olson emphasized that President Obama had deep respect for the people of Pakistan and viewed the country as an important friend, with which the US wished to have close and cooperative ties. The achievement of this goal would be his primary responsibility, added the Ambassador.

The meeting was attended by Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab and other senior party leaders.