ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to United States Masood Khan said Sister Province Agreement (SPA) between California and Punjab would open up vistas of opportunities in deepening mutual cooperation in diverse fields.

Addressing high level reception hosted by leadership of Californian State Assembly in honour of visiting delegation from Pakistan at Governor’s mansion, according to press release received here from Washington DC.

He said landmark agreement is an important milestone in strengthening linkages between California and largest populated province of Pakistan at all levels and would serve as force multiplier in efforts to strengthen Pak-US relations.

Masood Khan said Pak-US relations are on ascending curve and is most appropriate time for signing agreement. He said there are natural complementaries between Pakistan and United States particularly Punjab and California.

Prominent Pakistani-American leader Dr Asif Mahmood played pivotal role for establishment of sister province relationship between California and Punjab.

Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis said that agreement would help two sides to expand and solidify ties between California and Punjab. She said state of California fully realises potential of cooperation between two critically important provinces.

Referring to recent spurt in Pak-US bilateral trade volume especially IT services exports to United States, amounting to $ 1.4 billion, Ambassador noted that 80 percent of IT services from Pakistan were being exported to California.

Addressing event former Prime Minister Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani expressed hope that agreement would be instrumental in tapping untapped potential existing between two federating units.

Reception was organised to celebrate landmark agreement between California and Punjab and was attended among others by Lieutenant Governor of California, Speaker and large number of California State assembly members along Pakistani-American community leaders.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 12 2023

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