Pakistan, US pledge to boost economic, security ties

Pakistan proposes declaring 2026 'year of action' for Pak-US ties

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation across various fields, with special focus on economy and security.

The pledge came during a meeting between Pakistan's Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and the Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Brian Mast in Washington, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday.

Both sides expressed a shared resolve to enhance the multifaceted partnership, underscoring its importance for mutual and regional stability.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged New Year greetings and reaffirmed the commitment to work together to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The ambassador thanked Chairman Mast for his leadership, efforts, and consistent support in promoting Pak-US relations.

Referring to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's commitment to transform bilateral ties into a long-term, sustainable partnership based on economic cooperation, Sheikh said 2026 should be declared a year of action.

He emphasized the need for a high-level economic dialogue between the two countries to commence at the earliest.

Stressing the importance of initiating a comprehensive and immediate dialogue in the fields of energy, defence, minerals, information technology, and artificial intelligence, the ambassador said Pakistan, with its low-cost and high-quality capabilities, has the potential to meet the growing needs of the American market.

Surgical instruments and products manufactured in Pakistan are renowned worldwide for their quality, he said adding that a favourable trade environment and due attention will lead to a guaranteed increase in textile and other Pakistani exports.