Ties with Pak represent commitment to peace: US envoy

US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson has said that the broad-based relationship between Washington and Islamabad represents a series of long-term commitments to progress and peace.

Islamabad, Sep 6 : US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson has said that the broad-based relationship between Washington and Islamabad represents a series of long-term commitments to progress and peace.

Addressing Pakistani diplomats at the Foreign Service Academy here, Patterson said: "We can't talk about democracy or education or economic growth as a one-time event. These are processes that will yield results over time."

She said foreign policies of all nations are based on national interests.

"For us, the US-Pakistan long-term relationships mean a reduced terrorist threat and a strong, democratic and prosperous Pakistan," she added.

Patterson said that development depends on good and accountable governance and economic policies that unleash private sector growth, and remarked that Pakistan has made tremendous strides in these areas.

The US did not support particular candidates or parties in electoral process, the Daily Times quoted Patterson, as saying.

"We support free, fair and transparent elections that reflect the choices of the Pakistani people. We support the efforts of your government, of your political parties, of your civil society and indeed of ordinary citizens to continue building a democratic and prosperous Pakistan," she said.

Patterson said the US Government has implemented a five-year, 750 million dollars assistance programme in the FATA, and added that educational programmes offered a good example of how "our shared priorities have a direct impact on people's lives and their future prospects."

ANI