Progress with regard to make an agreement to declare Punjab and California the State of America as Sister State has been initiated and a special letter has been issued to the Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on behalf of the Head of California Legislative Assembly Mr. Chris R. Holden in this regard.
CM Pervaiz Elahi has been extended an invitation to ink his signatures on the Sister State relationship agreement between Punjab and California. CM chaired a high-level meeting to review the matters relating to the agreement in which former Federal Minister Moonis Elahi also participated.
Former Federal Secretary and Chairman P&D Salman Ghani apprised about the details and ingredients of the Sister State relationship agreement between Punjab and California. CM Pervaiz Elahi directed to give a final shape to the Sister State relationship agreement between Punjab and California forthwith. CM stated during the meeting that the agreement will enhance trade, economic, business relations between Pakistan and California and will increase bilateral investment. CM highlighted that relations in the sectors of education, health, information technology, environment and culture will be promoted. He underscored that this agreement will further strengthen the mutual relations between Punjab and the state of California. He disclosed that a special will be set up in the Planning & Development Board in order to give a final shape to the agreement which will give the matters a final shape with regard to the agreement and will be responsible for its implementation. CM revealed that all matters relating to the agreement to declare Punjab and California Sister State will be finalised soon.
He stated though the Punjab government delegation has been given an invitation to visit California so as to participate in the agreement signing ceremony but we would be pleased if the Californian delegation make this agreement by coming over to Lahore. CM apprised that the Legislative Assembly of California has passed the agreement resolution to declare Sister State relationship between Punjab and California. CM added that a reference has been given in the letter being sent by Mr. Chris R Holden about the resolution passed from the California Legislative Assembly relating to the agreement to declare Punjab and California Sister State relationship adding that the copy of the letter has been sent to the Ambassador of America in Pakistan Mr Donald Blome, Director of USAID Mission and the concerned officials.
CM stated that Chris R Holden apprised him that the later was highly pleased to extend him a formal invitation about the Sister State relationship agreement between California and Punjab. He hoped that under the leadership of CM Pervaiz Elahi agreement of Sister State relationship between Punjab and California will soon be signed. Provincial Adviser Amir Saeed Rawn, Chief Secretary Punjab Abdullah Sumbal, former Federal Secretary and Chairman P&D Salman Ghani, former Principal Secretary to CM GM Sikander, Secretary Local Government, DG Punjab Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan Naseer and the concerned officials attended the meeting.
