Hillary Clinton looks forward to visiting Pakistan

WASHINGTON (US): U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks forward to visiting Pakistan and the region but nothing has yet been planned, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.

“She looks forward to going to Pakistan and that region as well, but there’s nothing that’s been planned yet,” he replied when asked about Clinton’s plans to visit Pakistan as indicated earlier by her.

The spokesman said Clinton plans to go to Russia in October for the U.S.-Russia Binational Commission talks.

There is a number of other trips that are planned in the fall as well, he added.

Hosts Iftar dinner

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted an Iftar dinner in honor of Muslim-Americans, saying America is working to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and understanding with Muslims at home and abroad.

“The nearly 7 million Muslims in our country have enriched our culture, have made it stronger because of the contributions that many of you and others across America have given to us”.

“Tonight’s celebration is just one way to underscore those ideals,” she told the gathering including Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani, diplomats from other Islamic countries, writers and journalists.

She said it is an “important demonstration of the ability of those of us here in our country to practice our religion without fear of persecution. It is enshrined in our Constitution. And we believe and will defend the freedom of religion.”

The top U.S. diplomat recognized that the relationship between the United States and Muslim communities has at times suffered from misunderstanding and misperception.

“But we are committed to learning and listening; to creating bridges of understanding and respect; and building stronger bonds of cooperation. We believe that there is more that unites people of all faiths than divides us.

“The Obama Administration will work to ensure that our communication, our partnerships, and our policies reflect that core belief. Because whatever God you pray to or even whether you believe at all we all need to work for the same goals: a world where our children can live together in peace and prosperity, and fulfill their own God-given potentials.

“So tonight, let us recommit ourselves to achieving our common goals inspired by common values.”

Ms Farah Pandit, Clinton’s envoy to engage the Muslim communities, also welcomed the Muslim Americans and foreign diplomats. Link...