Islamabad, October 30, 2009 - During her visit to Lahore October 29, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton participated in a ceremony elevating the U.S. diplomatic presence in Lahore from Consulate to Consulate General status.

At the ceremony, Secretary Clinton noted that the growing importance and broadening of bilateral government and people-to-people relations between the United States and Pakistan was the driving force in elevating the U.S. diplomatic presence in the capital of Punjab Province. She joined U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson and Consul General Carmela Conroy in unveiling a seal for the building, bearing the inscription "Consulate General, United States of America."