JACOBABAD: US Ambassador Richard Olson onThursday said that the United States would continue to build a long-term partnership with Pakistan, by extending cooperation in development of several key areas.

The ambassador who visited Jacobabad, Sukkur, Khairpur, and surrounding areas also inaugurated the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences, a $10 million project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Ambassador Olson visited Sindh to meet local leaders, experience Sindhi culture, and raise awareness of the many US government-funded projects in the areas of education, health, and economic growth.

During his visit,  Olson met with students at Sukkur Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Sukkur Public School, and IBA community college as well as civil society, business, media, and political leaders. Ambassador Olson visited Daraza to pay respects at the shrine of Sufi poet Sachal Sarmast.

Ambassador Olson said, “the United States is committed to strengthening the foundation upon which the Pakistani people can build a more prosperous future.”

He said the United States of America was working with the government of Pakistan to build the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences, rebuild flood-damaged schools, train teachers, help women start livestock businesses, and assist date farmers to export their products.

“I am also pleased that we are supporting projects that will bring electrical power to over 500,000 families in this region.”

He said through these and other projects, the United States would continue to build a long-term partnership with Pakistan into the future.