Boren Visits With Civilian, Military Leaders On Trip To Pakistan

Statement

U.S. Congressman Dan Boren, traveling first to Iraq and now to Pakistan on a six-member congressional delegation led by House Speaker John Boehner, issued the following statement regarding the group's meeting with key civilian and military leaders in Pakistan.

"I believe we must maintain a solid relationship with Pakistan and our discussion with the military and civilian leaders there focused on the importance of working through past issues between our nations, and renewing a productive partnership as we both fight against terrorism. I thank the Prime Minister Gillani and the Pakistani Government for their hospitality throughout our delegation's visit."

Speaker Boehner said, "We recognize that the Pakistani military and the Pakistani people have made great sacrifices in recent years in the struggle against extremism and terrorism. Al Qaeda and its extremist allies have made Pakistan a target, and the Pakistani nation has suffered deeply as a result. We appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani military and the sacrifices of those troops and the Pakistani people. We also appreciated the hospitality of Prime Minister Gillani and pledge to continue working together on behalf of our countries."

NOTE: Joining Congressman Boren and Speaker Boehner on the delegation visit are Reps. Mac Thornberry, Mike Conaway, Tom Rooney, Joe Heck. While in Pakistan, the delegation met with Prime Minister Yousaf Gillani, General Ashfaq Kayani, and U.S Ambassador Cameron Munter. The delegation also visited the 11th Corps headquarters in Peshawar to discuss the Pakistani military's security challenges as it engages in the fight against extemism and terrorism.

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