ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan’sdesire for strengthening of trade and investment relations with the UnitedStates.

Talking to Congressman Thomas Suozzi, member of the House ofRepresentatives from New York on Saturday, he appreciated Congressman forhis role as Democratic Co-Chair of the Pakistan Caucus.

Suozzi also appreciated Pakistan’s positive contributions for regionalpeace and security.

Recognizing the positive role played by Pakistani American community,especially in his New York constituency, the Congressman agreed to worktowards further strengthening the bilateral linkages and relations betweenPakistan and the United States.

Qureshi also interacted with the leadership of the U.S. House ofRepresentatives’ Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Non-Proliferation onthe sidelines of his UN-related engagements in New York today.

Talking to Congressmen Ami Bera and Steven Chabot, the Chair and Member ofthe Asia Subcommittee respectively the Foreign Minister underscored theimportance of enhanced bilateral trade and regional connectivity.

He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating a peaceful, politicalsettlement in Afghanistan while stressing that peace in Afghanistan is ashared responsibility of the Afghan parties and the key internationalstakeholders.

Congressman Bera and Congressman Chabot appreciated Pakistan’s invaluablecontributions for regional peace and security.