US institute offers Pakistan help to strengthen democracy

Former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright, now serving as Chair of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), offered continued support for strengthening democracy in Pakistan.

Albright met Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday and said the smooth transfer of power in the South Asian nation reflected the strong conviction of the people of Pakistan in democracy, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported citing the Pakistan embassy in Washington.

Albright was joined by Cameron Munter, former US ambassador to Pakistan, Kenneth Wollack, president of the NDI, and Peter Manikas, director of the NDI's Asia region.

On behalf of the NDI, Albright offered continued support for strengthening democracy in the country.

Sharif emphasised that democracy has taken roots in Pakistan. He acknowledged the contribution of the NDI in improving the electoral systems in the country and also expressed the desire of the Pakistan government to continue working closely with international organisations to consolidate the democratic gains in Pakistan.

The prime minister was assisted by Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the prime minister on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani.