US calls for lasting ties with Pakistan
Bureau Report

LAHORE—US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca has said that the International Donors Conference being held at Islamabad on November 19 is an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its support to Pakistan in its relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by the October 8 earthquake. Talking briefly to newsmen during her visit to a Gems and Jewellery facility here Wednesday, she said that the world community has already responded and extended assistance to Pakistan in its rescue and relief efforts. “However, we hope that the world community would use the upcoming donors conference as an opportunity to provide more assistance to help Pakistan carry out rehabilitation and reconstruction work in quake ravaged areas”, she added. To another question, Ms Rocca said the US wants a lasting relationship with Pakistan with due focus on economic and social sectors. She said that apart from value addition in gems and jewellery, America is also cooperating with Pakistan in some other fields including marble and dairy production. She further said that the US is ready to cooperate in more fields for the mutual benefit of the two countries.