US team, governor discuss ‘Sister State’ ties between New York, Punjab

LAHORE: A delegation led by New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos called on Acting Governor Punjab Malik M Ahmad Khan at the Governor’s House on Monday.

During the meeting, the proposal of establishing a ‘Sister State’ relationship between New York and Punjab was discussed. The conversation also covered Pakistan-US relations, parliamentary affairs and the promotion of education, health, and other sectors. The acting governor agreed to the resolution on making New York and Punjab ‘Sister States’. He said that the resolution would enhance cooperation in trade, health, and education between the American state and Pakistani provinces. He added that the legislative assemblies of Punjab and New York could learn from each other's experiences. The acting governor further remarked that improving the economy and promoting education are top priorities for the government. The Punjab Assembly is playing its role in establishing a strong democratic system.

On this occasion, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly stated that they would actively contribute to enhancing cordial relations between the US and Pakistan. He emphasised that the US values its relationship with Pakistan and expressed a desire to sign an agreement with the Punjab government to improve the nursing sector. The delegation included Angela M Ramos, Alice Brook, Christian Macario, Miguel Meana, Athar Tirmizi, Rosario Rodriquez, Dr Ijaz Ahmad, Imtiaz Rahi, Dr Khalid Mahmood, Rukhsana Mahmood, Dr Pervez Iqbal, Tariq Khan, Ashfaq Ahmad, Amir Memon, Iftikhar Saeed, Dr Sadia Tahir, Imtiaz Pirzada, Naeem Haroon, Imran Rashid, Suleman Rashid, Haroon Rashid, Faraz Naseer, and Naeem Akhtar.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), led by New York State Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos, met with School Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to discuss joint educational initiatives.

According to a press release, the two political leaders also explored bilateral cooperation to improve the education sector and develop sister relations between the State of New York and the province of Punjab. This includes partnerships in teacher training and addressing the lack of facilities in schools. On this occasion, Rana Sikandar Hayat expressed gratitude to the New York Assembly for passing the resolution to establish sister relations with Punjab through Phil Ramos.

The minister emphasised the need to create more opportunities for higher education for Pakistani students in New York's educational institutions. He also stated that effective measures would be taken to improve the education sector in Punjab with the support of New York State. He noted that APPAC's experiences would be used in a multifaceted, long-term partnership in the education sector with the State of New York. Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos of New York appreciated the educational vision of Provincial Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and commended his efforts.