Personal Loans

Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – President Barack Obama in a telephone call on Tuesday with Pakistani President Asif Zardari asked his counterpart to push forward tough financial reforms needed in his country.

According to a White House communique released on Tuesday Obama called Zardari “to consult with him on the progress made during the recent U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, and to reinforce America’s commitment to partner with Pakistan on economic, development, and governance priorities.”

While discussing “the progress that the U.S. and Pakistan have made towards strengthening bilateral relations within the past two years,” President Obama urged Zardari “to work to pass key economic reforms, such as tax reform and containing energy subsidies.”

Pakistan has a dismal record of tax collection especially the rich avoid taxation by dubious means.

President Obama emphasized the United States’ commitment and support for democracy and transparency in Pakistan, highlighting that the U.S. and Pakistan share an interest in ensuring democratic traditions in Pakistan are strengthened.

There have been recent media reports about tensions developing between democratic government and Pakistani military which has ruled the state most of the last sixty years.

President Obama concluded the call by conveying his intention to visit Pakistan in 2011 and personally welcomed President Zardari to visit the United States in the coming year.

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