Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(Office of Spokesman)

PRESS RELEASE

A 6-member Congressional Delegation from the United States called on President General Pervez Musharraf in Rawalpindi today. The Delegation is led by Senator John McCain (Republican - Arizona) and includes Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican - South Carolina), Senator Maria Cantwell (Democrat - Washington), Senator John Sununu (Republican - New Hampshire), Senator Kay Baily Hutchison (Republican - Texas) and Congressman Jim Kolbe (Republican - Arizona).

Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, Foreign Minister and Ms. Nancy Powell Ambassador of the United States were also present.

The Meeting lasted over one hour, covering a wide-ranging exchange of views on bilateral cooperation and regional security issues particularly with reference to Iraq and Afghanistan, countries earlier visited by the Delegation. Members of the Delegation appreciated the important role of Pakistan as a valuable partner of the United States in combating international terrorism. They offered cooperation in advancing a Multi-Year Assistance Programme for Pakistan announced after President Pervez Musharraf’s meeting with President George Bush at Camp David in June 2003.

The President reiterated to the US Delegation that Pakistan would not tolerate any terrorist activity across its borders. He emphasized the need for timely exchange of intelligence between Pakistan and Afghanistan in this context. The situation in Iraq was also discussed and there was a convergence of views on the need of improving security and services for the Iraqi people.

Earlier the members of the Congressional delegation had a breakfast meeting, hosted by the US Ambassador, with Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar and Investment and Privatization Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

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Islamabad,

23 August, 2003.