David Hale, Zachary Harkenrider meet Shehbaz Sharif

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LAHORE: American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale and Consul General in Lahore Zachary Harkenrider met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here on Monday.

Matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors including energy were discussed on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that relations between America and Pakistan were multi-dimensional and it was hoped that they would further improve ties in days to come.

He said that terrorism was an international issue and could not be countered by any country alone. He said that collective efforts are needed for rooting out the menace of terrorism. He said that big powers should understand the problems of the countries facing terrorism.

Shehbaz Sharif said that present government was determined to make Pakistan a welfare state in accordance with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and equal opportunities were available to all citizens including minorities in the country.

American Ambassador and Consul General appreciated speedy development activities in all sectors in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and also commended the measures for elimination of child labour and protection of the rights of brick kiln workers. Other American diplomats as well as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Tariq Fatimi were also present on the occasion.