Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry met with Acting Administrator USAID Alfonso Lenhardt

Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry met with Acting Administrator USAID Alfonso Lenhardt

Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry met with Acting Administrator USAID Alfonso Lenhardt in Washington DC today. The two reviewed the state of economic collaboration and USAID work and assistance projects in Pakistan.

The Foreign Secretary expressed deep appreciation for the US cooperation particularly in the economic and social sectors. He also thanked the US for its timely commitment to help Pakistan with the return and rehabilitation of temporarily dislocated people in North Waziristan. Terming the US assistance as an investment in the future of the relationship, the Foreign Secretary particularly appreciated USAID projects in the energy sector and road infrastructure.

The Foreign Secretary and the Acting Administrator reviewed progress in the ongoing hydroelectric and thermal power projects supported by USAID. Foreign Secretary stressed that large signature projects could be important symbols of the comfort and relief that Pakistan-US partnership has brought to the people of Pakistan. In this regard, he appreciated the US support to mega hydal projects such as Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu and Gomal Zam projects. He also stressed the desirability for more “on budget” support and need for greater coordination and synergy in project implementation between USAID and Pakistan government.

Acting Administrator Lenhardt renewed the U.S. commitment to help Pakistan in overcoming energy crisis and appreciated the economic reforms undertaken by the Government. Both sides exchanged views on optimally utilizing USAID’s funding for projects in Pakistan and resulting in macro-economic stability in Pakistan. Mr. Lenhardt said that the U.S. would closely work with all stakeholders on projects which could lead to sustainable development of Pakistan.

June 03, 2015
Washington D.C.