Smith Recalls Visit to Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan & Armenia

Washington, D.C.– Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) announced today he recently visited Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia in conjunction with the House Democracy Partnership (HDP). The purpose of this bipartisan Congressional delegation was to conduct meetings with Pakistani legislative and government officials, launch a new HDP partnership with the Kyrgyzstan legislature, and conduct meetings related to democratic development and bilateral foreign policy issues in Armenia. A scheduled visit to Afghanistan was cancelled due to weather in the region.

“The geopolitical impacts to the global marketplace are important to our economy,” said Smith. “Strengthening democratic institutions and deepening bilateral relations is critical as we work to advance U.S. policy.

“These visits also present an opportunity to review foreign aid,” added Smith. “Certainly in these challenging fiscal times, we need to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized in an effective manner.”

Smith visited these counties as part of a Congressional delegation coordinated by HDP, a bipartisan, twenty-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives which works directly with 15 partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions.

Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2005, HDP uses peer-to-peer exchange programs, training seminars for members and staff, and targeted material assistance to build capacity in key areas such as legislative oversight, budget analysis, committee operations, constituent relations, and library and research services. Joining Smith were Congressmen David Dreier (R-CA), Kenny Marchant (R-TX), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Jim Moran (D-VA).

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