California Senate passes resolution recognising Pakistan-US relations

Recognises contributions of the Pakistani-American community to US state's economy, culture and social fabric

California's state Senate unanimously passed a resolution celebrating the enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United States and recognising the contributions of the Pakistani-American community to the state's economy, culture and social fabric, the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington said in a press release on Wednesday.

Presented by Senator Melissa Hurtado, the resolution “highlighted the pivotal role played by Pakistani-Americans in California” and “commended their achievements across diverse fields”, the press release said.

It also “urged all Californians to join in celebrating the friendly relations between the two nations”, according to the release.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh expressed gratitude to Hurtado for her leadership and “reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening people-to-people ties and building on the current positive trajectory of Pakistan-US bilateral relations,” the embassy said.

The Council of Pakistan, led by Dr Imran Sharief, also made “important efforts” towards the passage of the resolution, the statement added.

The California State Assembly also adopted a resolution to “promote relations between Pakistan and the State of California,” while recognising the contributions of Pakistani-American businesses and investors towards advancing economic cooperation between Pakistan and California.

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It also “recognised and acknowledged” Ambassador Sheikh's achievements in promoting bilateral ties between the two countries, the press release said. The pronouncements were made by Assembly member Matt Haney.

The resolutions were passed during Sheikh's official visit to California, where he met state lawmakers to strengthen economic and political engagement.

During a meeting with Senator Eloise Gomez, Sheikh discussed opportunities to “expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation” between Pakistan and the United States, according to the press release.

Gomez commended "Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace and stability,” while Sheikh extended an official invitation to her to visit Pakistan, it said.

The ambassador also hosted a working lunch for Haney and Assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva, with discussions focusing on “key aspects of bilateral cooperation”.

Sheikh extended invitations to both legislators to visit Pakistan to “further enhance bilateral collaboration across key sectors,” the embassy said.