A four-member U.S. California State Assembly delegation led by Mr Chris Holden, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today. Other members of the delegation included Assembly members Ms Eloise Reyes, Mr Mike Gipson and Ms Windy Carillo.

Welcoming the California Assembly members to Pakistan, the Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan valued its longstanding relationship with the United States and wanted to further deepen bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan and the U.S. celebrated the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations last year. In that backdrop, the signing of the ‘Sister-State Resolution’ between California and Punjab on January 9, 2023 is a welcome development. Punjab and California could work together in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, agriculture, IT, education and cultural exchanges. The Prime Minister appreciated the positive role being played by Pakistani-American Diaspora in further strengthening people-to-people linkages.

Mr. Chris Holden thanked the Prime Minister for the hospitality extended to the delegation during their visit and underscored the need to further expand Pakistan-U.S. relations.