July 02, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 27, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 1: US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called on National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza here on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Dr

Mirza said that Pakistan highly valued its relations with the US.

“Both countries had similar perceptions on global issues,” she said

The US Congresswomen, who is the co-chairperson of the Pakistan Congressional Caucus, said the US wanted to see Pakistan as a prosperous, peaceful, democratic and sovereign country.

The speaker thanked the US for supporting the new government and strengthening democratic institutions and hoped that it would continue to support the country.

The speaker said that women’s representation in public affairs was central to the functioning and strengthening of democracy, adding that women in Pakistan were sufficiently represented in parliament.

She said that Pakistan needed international community’s support to strengthen democracy and alleviate poverty.

Stressing the need for the uplift of women in tribal areas, Ms Jackson Lee said that the US Congress would offer support in this regard.

She invited the speaker to visit the US.