SUKKUR, Jan 28: US Consul General in Karachi Michael Dodman along with Political Counsellor at the US embassy Jonathan Pratt visited Sukkur and held meetings with office-bearers of the Sukkur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Marvi Rural Development Organisation and the Institute of Business Administration on Monday.

They also met some political leaders and prominent figures from different walks of life.

Speaking to the media, they said the visit was aimed at understanding the Sindhi culture and people and also reviewing the US-funded projects in health and education sectors.

Mr Dodman said he was impressed by the Sindhi culture and the hospitality shown by everyone he met here. “It is also a matter of pride for the United States that it is providing tens of millions of dollars to support projects of basic education and health care as well as rehabilitation of institutions damaged in floods,” he said.

He said the United States would continue to promote people-to-people contacts in the two countries as it was committed to a deeper economic engagement.

The US envoys also visited the Kot Diji fort on Monday, our Khairpur correspondent adds.

The envoys were presented the traditional gifts of Ajrak and Topi by the district administration at a function held on the occasion.

A music group — Folk Sung — entertained the diplomats with folk songs and poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and other sufi poets with translation in English. The envoys appreciated the performance of the singers.

Speaking to the media during the visit, the diplomats described the Talpur-era fort as an important historical site and stressed the need for preserving it.

In reply to a question, he said the US mission also released press releases in the Sindhi language.