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Summary
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton assured Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani of her full support to ensure that Pakistan receives the next installment due on May 3 from International Monetary Fund (IMF). America earlier proposed to halt the installment until the Pakistani government ensures the implement the Value Added Tax. Clinton assured her backing to the Pakistani government during the next meeting with IMF.Earlier PM Gilani calls on Clinton and Chairman US Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry prior to his departure to Pakistan. They discussed with him Pak-US bilateral ties, the role of the country in the war against terror and the recently held round of the strategic dialogue. The Prime Minster in his meeting with Secretary Clinton expressed satisfaction over the last round of Pak US strategic dialogue and hoped that the follow-up action on the progress made through sectoral meetings would take place.The Prime Minister urged the US government to fast-track the funding process for undertaking the up-gradation of existing power generation and transmission infrastructure to help overcome power shortages in Pakistan. He said addressing the energy crisis in the country was the foremost priority of his government and the US should encourage its corporate sector to invest in this sector in Pakistan.He termed the improving defence and intelligence cooperation between the two countries as a sign of bridging the trust deficit and underscored the need for promoting it even further to counter the common threat of terrorism.On the combined impact of world recession and war on terrorism on Pakistans economy the Prime Minister sought US help in negotiations with the IMF to soften its conditionality thus enabling the government to provide much needed relief to the people.He also hoped the US would use its influence with other donor countries to honor their pledges made at the Tokyo conference.The Prime Minister said improvement in economic life of people of Pakistan was intrinsically linked to political stability in the country.The parliamentary democracy was strengthened with the unanimous passage of the constitutional reforms package in the National Assembly.The Prime Minister reiterated his governments firm resolve to maintain cordial neighborly ties with India and Afghanistan. He apprised the US Secretary of State of his initiatives to mend ties with both the countries in the interest of peace and security of the region.He regretted that Pak-India relations had been made hostage to unfortunate act of terror. While Pakistan remained committed to prosecute and bring to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai incident, India must return to Composite Dialogue to sincerely address bilateral core issues.Secretary Clinton profoundly praised Prime Minister Gilani for his leadership and consensus-making ability and vision for fostering friendly relations with Pakistans neighbors.Gilani said Pakistan would welcome the US facilitation of this process. He said Pakistan stands by its offer of assistance to Afghanistan for the capacity building of its army, police and civilian institutions.Afghanistans peace and stability was vital for Pakistan and the country would continue to support Afghan governments efforts in this regard.Secretary Clinton agreed with the Prime Ministers assessment on the prospects of Pak-US relations and informed him that she would try to visit Pakistan in July rather than October to lead the next round of strategic dialogue.Clinton assured the Prime Minister that USA would stand by Pakistan in its endeavours to overcome its pressing economic difficulties, particularly in addressing the energy crisis.In his meeting with Senator Kerry, Gilani termed his meeting with Obama as very productive and useful in determining the direction of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and USA.He expressed his satisfaction over efoorts made by the two countries in last two years in strengthening cooperation in multifaceted fields.He appreciated the role of US Congressional leadership, particularly John Kerry, in promoting economic and security ties through the passage of Kerry Lugar bill and Defense Appropriations legislation.Kerry commended Pakistans pivotal role and assured the Prime Minister for complete support of Congressional leadership for providing Pakistan with greater US market access, meeting its urgent defense requirements and accommodating request for nuclear power generation.
