Prime Minister paid an official
visit to US from October 20 to 23 at the invitation of US President Barack Obama
.The meeting emphasized the commitment of both the leaders to lasting Pak - US
partnership , prosperous Pakistan , and a more established territory. Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Obama convened an extensive discussion at
the White House. Both the leaders communicated on a conviction that Pak - US
partnership is imperative to global and territorial harmony and resilience.
PM Nawaz Sharif and President Obama reaffirmed a reciprocal commitment to
democracy. President Obama applauded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's leadership in
reinforcing and uniting Pakistan's democratic institutions. They showed desire
to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas outside the age - old safety
domain in realization of the multifaceted issues facing both countries,
comprising: trade and investment ; education, science and technology; pure,
competent and allowable energy; endeavors to tackle climate change ;economic
growth ; territorial amalgamation; rule of law ; cultural and people - to people
ties; and encouragement for democratic principles. As per Obama Pakistan is the
largest Muslim democratic country who could use his control for peace, stability
, development and human rights around the globe. Both the leaders agreed to
develop on the ongoing US - Pakistan Strategic Dialogue to develop improvements
in these and other areas.
Both the leaders agreed that Pakistan's economic growth is the definite
foundation for its people's prosperity and the stability of the territory.
According to Obama Pakistan's reform program rebuilt macroeconomic stability
through fiscal and monetary policies, the rebuilding of foreign exchange
reserves, and continuing reforms in the power sector. Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif reassured to consolidate economic acquires and to carry on to implement
his government's reform agenda that is being supported by the World Bank Group ,
The Asian Development Bank , The International Monetary Fund , and other
multilateral financial institutions . Both sides pointed out their intention to
continue macroeconomic cooperation through the Economic and Finance Working
Groups as an element of the Strategic Dialogue. The leaders reasserted their
mutual interest in strengthening bilateral trade and investment . They
acknowledged the Joint Action Plan's attainment to build up trade and investment
, established after Prime Minister Sharif's 2013 visit to America. Obama
commended that Pakistani' companies are liable to join in US Department of
Defence procurement opportunities related to operation in Afghanistan , in
accordance with US law and regulation, and supported Pakistan to undertake
accession to the General Procurement Agreement of the World Trade Organization
.The leaders also noted the US - Pakistan Memorandum of Understanding on Women's
Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship , signed at 2014 TIFA , which
comprises the endeavors of Pakistan - US Women's Council. The leaders also
restated their commitment to proceed economic connectivity between Pakistan and
its neighbors to promote territorial prosperity . Both the leaders conceded that
strengthening Pakistan's trade and transit ties with its neighbors is required
to promote prosperity in Pakistan and the territory.
Both Obama and sharif focused on in investing in higher and basic education .
Regarding this three Universities Centers for Advanced Studies in agriculture ,
energy, and water research launched , in June. This is nineteen existing
university partnerships between Pakistan and US institutions and the highest -
funded Fulbright scholarship program in the world. The two governments envisages
to double joint funding for a new round of research grants under the US -
Pakistan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement Building on pivotal
assistance in basic education to date, the two leaders welcomed the launch of
the Let Girls Learn Initiative in Pakistan, an effort led by the United States -
this will come up with 200,000 Pakistani girls access to education and the tools
they need to succeed in life,
The President praised PM commitment to keep education on top priority .The
leaders realized the importance of civil society. International nongovernmental
organizations (INGOs) and civil society groups can contribute to promote human
rights, and strengthen democratic governance . The president said that governing
INGO's should be and consistent with international norms so as to help along the
importance of these organizations.
President Obama reassured the US commitment to strong cooperation in the power
sector. The leaders declared the configuration of a new US - Pakistan Clean
Energy Partnership based on the initial work of April 2015 Energy Working Group
under the US - Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. The aim of the Partnership is to
facilitate private sector investment in Pakistan's power sector, consisting
generation, transmission and distribution. The two leaders pointed out their
cooperation in the development of Pakistan's domestic oil and gas resources and
liquefied natural gas sectors. President Obama gave vent to backing and
assistance for Pakistan's endeavors to safeguard funding for the Diamer Bhasha
Dasu dams to help meet Pakistan's energy and water.
Both the leaders also discussed and committed to fully implement the Global
Health Security Agenda (GHSA) , with a view to advance global cooperation across
sectors to counter biological threats , whether naturally happening , accidental
, or deliberate .President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif also discussed
efforts to improve mother and children health in Pakistan and on the globe.
Regional Security and Counter Terrorism
President Obama strongly denounced the terrorist attack on 16th December 2014 by
the Tehreek - e - Taliban (TTP) killing 140 school children.
The leaders discussed the importance of full cooperation against terrorists
ferocious extremist groups. President Obama recognized the sacrifices that
Pakistani civilians , military , and law enforcement personnel have made over
the years. The President praised for Pakistan's ongoing support to degrade and
finally defeat al - Quida and its organizations . The President Obama further
noted that this partnership has helped to decimate operational capacity and has
played havoc with concocts against the US homeland. The President also acclaimed
the Pakistani security forces' sacrifices in Operation Zab -e - Azband other
operations, degrading militants ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks.PM
also thanked the United States for its support in reinforcing Pakistan's counter
- terrorism capacity.
President Obama and Prime Minister decided to promote peace and stability in the
territory and to parry all kinds of extremism and terrorism.
Both the leaders committed to advance an Afghan - owned and Afghan - led peace
and reconciliation process between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban
, and called on Taliban leader to have direct talks with Kabul and work toward a
sustainable peace settlement.
President Obama appreciated Pakistan for the first public talks between the
Afghan government and the Taliban in July 2015..and reconciliation process to
end barbarity and violence in Afghanistan.
PM Sharif restated that Pakistan's territory will not be used against any other
country . The leaders declared that Pakistan - India bilateral relations would
greatly boost for lasting peace , stability and prosperity. The leaders showed
concern over violence along the Line of Control, and emphasized on sustained and
resilient dialogue between the two neighbors to resolve all territorial and
Kashmir issues. They pronounced to work together and cope with global disputes
of the present age and the day.