RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto today [Sept 27] asserted that his visit to the United States had led to better understanding between Pakistan and the United States. … Addressing a huge gathering … [at] the airport, Mr. Bhutto, however, made it clear that on all the basic world issues such as Palestine, the Middle East and South-East Asia, Pakistan would continue to pursue its policy, which was based on principles. At the same time, he said, Pakistan’s friendly relations with the Soviet Union or with China — Pakistan’s best friend — would not be allowed to deteriorate because of Pakistan’s better understanding with the United States. He said President Nixon’s assurances that Pakistan’s security and solidarity were the cornerstone of American foreign policy was very significant.

Agency reports add: The Prime Minister said that his talks with the American President were not held to get aid. It was a diplomatic mission and not a fund-raising or begging mission. — Correspondent

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2023