U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter Returns to Lahore

December 5, 2010

Lahore - In his second trip to Lahore since presenting his credentials in late October, U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, visited the provincial capital on Saturday and Sunday. During their two-day stay, they met with local officials, businesspeople, civil society and non-governmental organization leaders, and journalists.

"The United States-Pakistan relationship is strong. Pakistan's government leaders talk to me openly and honestly and I speak with them in the same manner," said Ambassador Munter. "We continue to work very closely with the Pakistani government."

Among their activities, Ambassador Munter and Dr. Wyatt met with Governor Salmaan Taseer, opened a new Apple store, and were interviewed by leading Pakistani journalists about U.S.-Pakistan relations. They also participated in a roundtable discussion with women NGO leaders at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, where they discussed gender issues, as part of the United Nations' international 16-day campaign against gender-based violence. In addition, they stopped at Zahir Tikka to have a breakfast of halva-puri, chanay, naan and lassi.

Expressing admiration for the local specialties, Ambassador Munter said, "Pakistani people are spicy as well as sweet, very much like Lahori food." He noted that he particularly enjoyed the chanay since he enjoys spicy food, which is similar to his native Californian cuisine. "It was great to have a real Lahori breakfast," he said.