Remarks With Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Sheraton Grande Laguna Hotel
Phuket, Thailand
July 23, 2009
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with the foreign minister. Minister Qureshi has been an instrumental part in the actions taken by the Government of Pakistan to demonstrate the commitment to stability, and peace and prosperity that is at the core of their governmental mission. The United States has offered and continues to ensure to work with Pakistan in however Pakistan feels it’s appropriate in their courageous struggle against violent extremism. And I must say, Mr. Minister, that the progress that your government is making in this effort, of the significant return of people back to their homes because of the success of the government policy and military action has been encouraging and impressive.
And I’m looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the fall to work further with you and demonstrate not only our commitment, but also to learn more about what we can do to be of help to (inaudible).
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI: Well, I’m delighted to see you up and kicking again. I wish you a very, very speedy recovery.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI: The United States and Pakistan have been working in close harmony (inaudible) terrorism and extremism. We have been allies and we continue to be allies with the common objective of defeating this menace.
Pakistan is grateful for the (inaudible) it has received from Madame Secretary and the G8 Conference (inaudible) resolve and determination to achieve this objective. You will be delighted to know that the public opinion in Pakistan has changed decisively against extremism and terrorism. The military operation has gone beyond our expectations, and it is a great success -- supported by the people of Pakistan. We have challenges. We have challenges possibly (inaudible). We are grateful to the international community to help Pakistan, and we (inaudible) impact and Ambassador Holbrooke’s (inaudible) personal fulfillment.
We have economic challenges (inaudible), but the difference is that today, Pakistan is a democracy, and democracy can deliver. And Pakistan will prove that it is part of the solution, and not part of the problem.
SECRETARY CLINTON: As always, eloquently well said, Mr. Minister.
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And I’m looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the fall to work further with you and demonstrate not only our commitment, but also to learn more about what we can do to be of help to (inaudible).
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI: Well, I’m delighted to see you up and kicking again. I wish you a very, very speedy recovery.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI: The United States and Pakistan have been working in close harmony (inaudible) terrorism and extremism. We have been allies and we continue to be allies with the common objective of defeating this menace.
Pakistan is grateful for the (inaudible) it has received from Madame Secretary and the G8 Conference (inaudible) resolve and determination to achieve this objective. You will be delighted to know that the public opinion in Pakistan has changed decisively against extremism and terrorism. The military operation has gone beyond our expectations, and it is a great success -- supported by the people of Pakistan. We have challenges. We have challenges possibly (inaudible). We are grateful to the international community to help Pakistan, and we (inaudible) impact and Ambassador Holbrooke’s (inaudible) personal fulfillment.
We have economic challenges (inaudible), but the difference is that today, Pakistan is a democracy, and democracy can deliver. And Pakistan will prove that it is part of the solution, and not part of the problem.
SECRETARY CLINTON: As always, eloquently well said, Mr. Minister.
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PRN: 2009/T9-18
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