He was talking to media persons in Rawalpindi after visiting Medical Transcription Billing Company Ltd.

(MTBC) and later upon the conclusion of his meeting with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

The ambassador also admitted his meeting with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt-Gen.

Ahmed Shuja Pasha and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan but clarified that the meetings took place on separate occasions.

Munter said that the 'memo' issue was Pakistan's internal matter, adding that the US supported the country's democratic system, rule of law and strong institutions.

"The will of Pakistani people to make sure that there will be justice", he said, "We support that and see how it will work".

He, however, said that the US was ready to extend help in probing the issue if requested.

The US State Department has been very careful in giving its reaction on the 'memo' as it is a Pakistani matter, he added.

Pakistan's civilian government is under deep pressure following controversy of the 'memo' alleging that Pakistan's Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani has delivered a secret memorandum to former US top military general Admiral Mike Mullen through a Pakistan's born American national Mansoor Ijaz that purportedly sought Obama administration help to prevent military take-over.

To a question, the US envoy said that the 'memo' issue will not affect Pakistan-US bilateral ties, adding that relations between the two countries were more important than the 'memo'.

"They (mutual relations) are important because of the business links and the long-term commitment...that we have," he said.

To another question regarding authenticity of the 'memo', he expressed ignorance saying,"We are waiting to see what happens with Ambassador Haqqani", adding that he believed that Haqqani was back in the country and will be talking with the authorities here to find out what really happened.

"We need to find out from the inquiry what the memo is and what it meant," he added.

To another query he said, "I met with ISI chief, I met with Imran Khan, but not together".

However, foreign media had claimed that Munter had met Imran Khan and Gen Pasha which generated speculations in the country's political arena.

When asked about any soft corner for Imran Khan, the US envoy said that Pakistani people were looking for leadership, openness in the society, a political system that will be transparent...that will be open and democratic, prosperous and stable.

He said US always supported such kind of ideas, adding, "You will always hear from us supporting those kind of ideas."

Earlier, in his interaction with members of the RCCI, Munter said that US was firmly committed to its partnership with Pakistan-a relationship built on a foundation of mutual interests, respect and trust.

He said that an important element of that relationship was trade rather than aid as Pakistan is situated at very important geographical location.

He said that Pak-US commercial relations were already strong and the two-way trade was a robust $5.4 billion in 2010.

He said that US exports to Pakistan machinery, aircraft, health technology, motor vehicles, cotton and yarn.

Whereas Pakistani exports to the US included a wide variety of textile products, apparel, furniture, medical devices, leather goods and furnishings, he added.

He said that there was much more room for expansion in Pak-US trade.

He further said that Pakistan has been an important commercial hub since the days of ancient Silk Road and it has a long history in commerce.

Despite the economic challenges, Munter said that Pakistan has huge, long-term commercial potential for growth in its large, diverse market.

"I strongly believe Pakistan is the anchor of the New Silk Road Vision", he remarked.

He said that the US mission was also seeking to connect Pakistani and US businesses, small and large, through mechanism such counselling, partnering, networking, participation in trade missions, and attendance at international trade events.

Munter said that his country had invested $2 billion in 2010 in the energy sector of Pakistan to revamp the hydel turbines at Tarbella and other parts of the country.

He said that war on terror was global issue and it was not a threat to the US alone, but to the whole world.

"Security situation in Pakistan is not very ideal and foreign investors are reluctant to invest here," he said, but added that business community of the country has the potential to recognise itself in the international markets.

Munter said that US respects Pakistan's sovereignty and desirous to promote political and trade relations with Pakistan.

To a query about visa problems, he said both the governments will soon resolve the problems.

"His (Munter) visit underscores the US Embassy's commitment to increase US-Pakistan business ties, in support of Secretary Clinton's emphasis that the US strives to promote "trade, not just aid", said a US embassy brief press release issued here.

During his address at RCCI, Munter encouraged Pakistan's private-sectors leaders and entrepreneurs to tap the potential to drive job creation and economic growth, while inspiring other Pakistanis to follow their lead, it added.

RCCI President Jawed Akhtar Bhatti, Snior Vice President Raja Amer Iqbal, Vice President Ch.

Iqbal Ahmed, Former Presidents, Members Executive Committee and other members of the Chamber were also present on the occasion.

Munter also visited a Pakistan-America joint-venture business, Medical Transcription Billing Company Ltd.

(MTBC), which employs more than 1000 Pakistanis.

SOURCE: BUSINESS RECORDER