WASHINGTON: Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Jalil Abbas Jilani met with Senator Dianne Feinstein, a top Democrat from California, who chairs the Select Committee on Intelligence, and discussed enhancing relations between the two countries.

After assuming responsibilities as Pakistan's Ambassador to Washington DC, this was Jilani's first formal interaction on the Capitol Hill.

In the meeting, Jilani expressed the desire to work with Senator Feinstein to further strengthen ties between Pakistan and the US.

Jilani briefed the senator on the latest developments in Pak-US relations, including the recent several high-level exchanges as well as the forthcoming meetings.

Matters of mutual interest, including Afghanistan, were also discussed, the Pakistani embassy said.

Discussions with US House Foreign Affairs Committee leaders

Also on Wednesday, leaders of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee received Jilani as the new envoy began his engagement with the US Congress.

In separate meetings with Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committer and Congressman Eliot Engel, Ranking Member of the Committee, Jilani conveyed best wishes of the leadership and the people of Pakistan.

A wide range of issues in bilateral relations came up for discussion, the Pakistani embassy said.

During the meetings, Jilani underscored that America’s consistent support for democracy in Pakistan is deeply valued by the people of Pakistan.

He noted that a positive momentum in Pak-US bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy sector, has contributed to positive appreciation of American assistance in Pakistan.

Welcoming the ambassador, Congressman Ed Royce agreed with the need to enhance bilateral ties with greater focus on trade and commerce.

Ranking Member Engel stated that regional developments necessitated close and sustained engagement between Pakistan and the US.

Jilani invited both Congressmen to visit Pakistan.