ISLAMABAD – Terming Pakistan and the United States as important strategicpartners, Federal Minister for Energy Omar Ayub Khan Friday said despiteups and downs, the two countries always maintained continuity in theirrelationship for the interest of their nations.
Speaking as chief guest at a reception here to celebrate the243rd anniversary of American independence, Omar Ayub said Pakistan and theUS supported each other on various issues notwithstanding their differencesfrom time to time.
He said American companies were making significant contribution toPakistan’s economy, however, stressed that immense scope existed inexploring the potential in energy sector.He emphasized on enhancing people-to-people contacts between the twocountries to ultimately strengthen trade and business relations.
He stressed that Pakistan desired ‘trade, not aid’ in maintaining itsrelations with the US.He mentioned Pakistan’s contribution in fight against terrorism and laudedthe sacrifices of armed forces and other law enforcement agencies.
Ambassador Paul Jones, Chargé d’Affaires said theme of the event ‘Buildinga Vision’ aimed at telling the story about how the US and Pakistan builttheir nations, embassies, and relationship.“The story brings out parallels, from founding principles of our nations toour respective investments in iconic embassies in each other’s capitals,”he said.
He mentioned the splendor of new compound of the US embassy in Islamabad –one of the largest in the world, which he said spoke about the value andcommitment of the relationship between the two countries.
During the ceremony, the Embassy’s US Marine Corps Detachment marched inthe flag of the United States and choirs sang the US and Pakistani nationalanthems.
The guests took part in traditional July 4th activities and enjoyed thecuisine particular of the American Independence Day celebrations.The US Air Force Central Command’s band “Drop Zone” serenaded the guestswith classic and modern rock and roll, country, and pop music, having flownto Pakistan from Doha to take part in the celebrations.
The reception was attended by the government officials, businessmen, civilsociety and celebrities that featured music, traditional American food, andsimulated fireworks.