ISLAMABAD:
Richard Olson, a veteran US State Department diplomat, flew into Pakistan on Saturday to take charge as US ambassador, in a role that promises to be challenging as Washington and Islamabad seek to rebuild their strained relations.
Olson’s predecessor, Cameron Munter, had stepped down after completing a tumultuous two-year stint in Islamabad.
During his time in office, incidents like the Raymond Davis episode, Osama bin Laden raid, and the Salala check post attack created deep fissures in relationship between the two uneasy allies.
Upon his arrival, Ambassador Olson said, “I look forward to presenting my credentials to His Excellency President Zardari as soon as possible and to start working with Pakistanis from all sections of society to build a relationship based on mutual respect and common interests.”
“There is tremendous potential in this country and I want to work with Pakistanis to increase economic opportunity, expand trade between our two countries, address the energy crisis, and improve the quality of education and healthcare for all,” he added.
Olson was sworn in by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on September 24, 2012.
His previous assignment was as the Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. Ambassador Olson has previously served as US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2011.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2012.
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