US-Pakistan relationship 'stronger than ever', says State Department official

State Department's Horst credits outgoing ambassador Masood for achieving stability, strengthening US-Pakistan ties

WASHINGTON:

United States (US) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst on Friday praised Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, for significantly strengthening the ties between Islamabad and Washington.

"On behalf of the State Department, I just want to note that the US-Pakistan relationship is in the best place it's been in years, in part, in large part to what Ambassador Masood Khan has done to represent Pakistan, to build bridges between Islamabad and Washington," Horst said at a farewell dinner honouring Khan.

The event saw officials from the State Department and the Department of Defense in attendance, acknowledging the ambassador's contributions. Horst highlighted that despite occasional friction, the framework established by Khan has facilitated open dialogues and cooperation.

Khan, who has served as Pakistan's top representative in the US since February 2022, is set to leave his post next week.

He was nominated by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in November 2021. His departure will see his deputy take over envoy duties temporarily, with Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh appointed as the new envoy.

Horst credited Khan with achieving stability and expanding the US-Pakistan relationship, noting new dialogues and cooperation in areas such as trade, health, energy, and climate. She praised Khan's integrity, creativity, and hospitality, noting his efforts in hosting government officials and fostering strong bilateral relations.

"You have used your dining room table for delicious lunches for everybody in the government of the United States as well as Capitol Hill."

"You have been incredibly effective. And we have this relationship now because of the efforts that you have made," Horst added.

Horst concluded by emphasising that Khan leaves the US-Pakistan relationship stronger than ever, stating, "I think we are all going to benefit from the two years that you put in here. I want to thank you personally and from the State Department."