Michael Cognato from US Consulate, Lahore, Delivers Talk on US-Pakistan Relations
Thursday, May 12 2016
Michael Cognato, Political and Economic Officer, US Consulate General, Lahore, visited UMT where he delivered a talk on US-Pakistan relations. The talk was organized by UMT’s School of Governance and Society.
The guest speaker said that the United States and Pakistan have had diplomatic relations since the inception of Pakistan in 1947. Bilateral relations between the two countries are based on shared interests, including the advancement of democracy, peace, security, and economic development in Pakistan and in the region. Both countries are working closely with each other to advance peace and security in the region.
Michael Cognato added that the United States has increased bilateral trade and investment with Pakistan, focusing the relationship on trade, not aid. He said thousands of Pakistani students have studied in United States on fully-funded scholarships, which will benefit Pakistan as these students bring valuable skills to their home country and play their role in national development. Mr. Cognato noted that United States’ Fulbright Program in Pakistan is one of the largest in the world and said that the United States is working to strengthen higher education in Pakistan The United States is already collaborating with Pakistan to fund initiatives that would train teachers and empower youth, especially women. The United States is also partnering with Pakistani organizations to work in other important sectors such as education, social, culture, preservation of human rights and rule of law in the country. In response to questions from students and faculty, Mr. Cognato emphasized the importance of ties between the people of Pakistan and the United States. Director School of Governance and Society Rahat-ul-Ain and Director Foreign Relations Ibrahim Qazi were also present at the occasion.