US commends Pak anti-terrorism efforts

Envoy says US-Pak partnership essential for global peace

ISLAMABAD:

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome reaffirmed that it was imperative that the United States and Pakistan continue working together to advance shared goals of regional and global peace, stability, and security.

Ambassador Blome identified key areas for future cooperation, particularly as Pakistan prepares to take a seat on the UN Security Council next year.

"Pakistan's voice deserves to be heard, and the United States looks forward to working with its representatives to strengthen regional stability and to promote human rights and religious freedom for everyone," he said while addressing the International Conference on Strengthening Pakistan-US Relations in the federal capital.

He emphasised that Pakistan's tenure on the council presents a unique opportunity for the US and Pakistan to collaborate on issues of regional stability, human rights, and religious freedom.

Blome praised Pakistan's potential role as a bridge within the UN, given its positive regional relationships and its standing with other Security Council members.

Commenting on Pakistan's fight against terrorism, he said the US commended Pakistan for its decades of cooperation in fighting terrorism, whether from TTP or other non-traditional security threats.

"We must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, and the United States and Pakistan share this understanding. Both our countries and our people have paid heavy costs due to terrorism," he stated.

Emphasising the historical significance and future potential of the bilateral relationship, Ambassador Blome outlined the shared goals and mutual interests that have been the cornerstone of this alliance for several decades.

Ambassador Blome said the long-standing cooperation between the two nations has persisted despite numerous challenges.

He highlighted that while some critics argue the US and Pakistan have often struggled to understand each other, this perspective fails to recognise the substantial achievements made through decades of collaboration.

The ambassador stressed the importance of continued joint efforts to advance regional and global peace, stability, and security.

Blome noted that the US has invested over $1 billion in Pakistan's justice and security sectors over the past 40 years, providing life-saving equipment, enhancing security infrastructure, and training law enforcement and judicial personnel.