US envoy, KP Assembly speaker discuss investment, bilateral ties

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati held a meeting with US Ambassador Natalie A. Baker and the US Consul General at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, with all parliamentary leaders of the provincial assembly, provincial ministers and other senior officials in attendance, said an official statement.
The statement stated the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States, expanding cooperation in various sectors and exploring opportunities for US support and investment in KP.
Participants discussed potential cooperation in sports, tourism, minerals, energy and power, education, parliamentary cooperation and capacity building.
Provincial ministers briefed the US delegation on investment opportunities in their respective departments and ongoing development projects. Parliamentary leaders also discussed the law and order situation in the province, public issues and other matters of mutual interest.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said KP possessed immense potential in natural resources, minerals, tourism and its young population. He said international cooperation and investment in these sectors could generate new opportunities for economic activity, employment and development in the province.
The speaker said the participation of parliamentary leaders from across the political spectrum demonstrated that the provincial assembly represented the people of the entire province. He described their presence under one roof as a reflection of their shared commitment to protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of the people of KP.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening links between parliamentary institutions, exchanging experiences and enhancing institutional capacity, saying greater cooperation could help make democratic institutions more effective and robust.
Swati said the provincial government was taking steps to create a conducive environment for investment through effective policies and was continuing efforts aimed at economic stability and public prosperity.
The participants agreed to explore further avenues for expanding Pakistan-US cooperation, strengthening institutional and sectoral ties, and promoting joint efforts for development and prosperity in KP.