Hilary Clinton Phones PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton telephoned the Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani this evening to express her gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded to her by the Government of Pakistan during her just concluded visit.

The PM lauded her efforts for trying to clear the misperceptions about the strategic partnership between the two countries through her wide ranging and extensive interaction with the political leadership, media, youth and members of the civil society in Pakistan.

He noted that it was for the first time that a high level US dignitary had gone a distance to assure our people of the strong US commitment to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister stated that while his government will continue striving forever more strengthen bilateral relations, the US should help pursue this goal by starting the strategic dialogue between the two countries.

The US secretary of State assured the Prime Minister that as has been agreed in their meeting, the proposal of strategic dialogue was discussed with her Pakistani counterpart and will be implemented.

She also apprised the PM that she has instructed Ambassador Richard Holbrook her special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan and the US Ambassador in Islamabad for undertaking proactive measures to follow up on the decisions reached between the two sides during her visit.

She requested the Prime Minister to convey her best wishes to the political leadership and members of Pakistan’s Parliament as well.