Biden reflects on 75 years of US-Pak friendship

Highlights security and economic cooperation with Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has presented his Letter of Credence to US President Joseph R Biden as the 30th ambassador of Pakistan to the United States.

The ceremony, held at Blair House, was attended by members of the diplomatic community and senior officials of the US administration.

In his remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh conveyed greetings from the President, Prime Minister, and the people of Pakistan to the leadership and people of the United States.

He stated that Pakistan and the United States have a rich legacy of cooperative relations and have laid multiple foundations to strengthen bilateral ties.

Recalling US assistance to Pakistan, especially during its nascent phase of statehood, the Ambassador observed that the two countries continue to invest in their relationship and are stepping up cooperation in climate change, energy, health, trade, and investment.

"Pakistan-US economic partnership is the core of our engagement, and the United States continues to be the largest destination for Pakistani exports," Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said.

Highlighting the significant trade potential between the two countries, the Ambassador noted that Pakistan is ready to enhance its trade with the United States and absorb US investments in alternative energy, green technology, industry, digital platforms, higher education, and other areas of mutual benefit.

He emphasized the important role being played by Pakistan's large and dynamic diaspora community in the United States, terming them a bridge between the two countries.

The ambassador also underscored the need for structured, broad-based, and result-oriented periodic dialogues in both security and non-security realms to give fresh impetus to the relationship and promote mutual interests.

Welcoming the Ambassador back to Washington, DC, President Joe Biden remarked that the Ambassador's arrival was significant on many levels.

"It signifies more than 75 years of friendship between our nations and our enduring commitment to economic engagement, security cooperation, people-to-people ties, and cultural exchange," the president said.

"The enduring partnership between our nations remains critical to ensuring the security of our people and people around the world. The United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time," President Biden added.