USAID Reopening Mission in Pakistan

(Powell says reopening symbolizes growing U.S.-Pakistan ties) (310)

Secretary of State Colin Powell announced that the U.S. Agency for
International Development is reopening its mission in Pakistan to
promote education, health and human development.

Speaking to reporters in Pakistan January 17, Powell said the
reopening of the USAID mission symbolizes the growing partnership
between the United States and Pakistan.

Powell is visiting South Asia to try to help ease tensions between
India and Pakistan and support the international campaign against
terrorism.

Following is the transcript of Powell's announcement about USAID's
return to Pakistan:

(begin transcript)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman

January 17, 2002

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN L. POWELL AFTER RETURNING TO
ISLAMABAD FROM KABUL

January 17, 2002

V.I.P. Terminal Chaklala Air Force Base Islamabad, Pakistan 6:20 a.m.
EST

SECRETARY POWELL: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I'm on my way
to India now, having completed, I think, a very interesting and
successful visit in Kabul. And, as I leave Islamabad, I want to
express my appreciation again to President Musharraf and to my
colleague, Foreign Minister Sattar, for having seen me.

On my way out of Islamabad I have one final announcement I'd like to
make. And that is I'm pleased to announce that the United States
Agency for International Development is finalizing plans to reopen its
mission in Pakistan. The A.I.D. mission will allow the United States
to target its assistance programs to areas the Government of Pakistan
has identified as priorities: education, health and human development.
The opening of a new A.I.D. mission is an apt symbol of the growing
partnership between the United States and Pakistan. We look forward to
working more closely with Pakistan to develop the country's full
economic and social potential.

And, once again, I thank my colleague for his hospitality. And I thank
you for your courteousness.

(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)