United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blom met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday and discussed bilateral ties.
Ambassador Blom, who arrived in Pakistan at the end of last month took over of the US mission in a time of unique challenges and opportunities. He is the first full-time US envoy to Islamabad after a gap of nearly four years, when Afghanistan is clearly not a major issue in bilateral relations since last year, when he took office. US military withdrawal From the country at the end of a 20-year long war – the longest in American history.
Earlier today, Blom presented his credentials to President Dr. Arif Alvi at the Presidency in Islamabad.
Earlier, David Hale serviced As US Ambassador to Pakistan from 2015 to 2018.
In his meeting with Blom today, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shahbaz highlighted the historic, long-standing relationship between the two countries and further strengthened this relationship on the basis of mutual respect, trust and interest. Underlined Pakistan’s desire to develop.
The premier underlined that the various dialogues established between Pakistan and the US are playing an important role in strengthening bilateral ties in the areas of trade, investment, IT, climate change, health and energy.
He stressed that American companies need to be encouraged by the Development Finance Corporation of America to invest in Pakistan’s large market keeping in mind the economic and demographic potential of the country.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Ambassador on the presentation of his credentials to the President and expressed the hope that the Envoy would dedicate his efforts to deepen and enhance the bilateral relationship between the US and Pakistan.
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the US,” a statement issued by the PM’s office said.
He hoped that the two countries will “appropriately celebrate the historic occasion, which will further deepen bilateral and people-to-people ties”. He also stressed the need for more high level exchanges between the two countries.
Ambassador Blom thanks Pakistan for prompt and effective assistance in facilitating evacuation [of people] from Afghanistan.
In response, the premier emphasized that deepening cooperation between Pakistan and the United States would promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and contribute to averting a humanitarian crisis in the country, which has worsened in recent times. went. earthquake,
while highlighting Rising wave of Islamophobia In India, PM Shahbaz condemned profane comment About the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by two BJP officials, causing outrage among Muslims.
He said India is committing “serious human rights violations in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)”.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace in the region, he stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
PM Shahbaz urged the international community to discharge its moral obligations, while also calling on India to abide by UN resolutions.
The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to the people and government of the United States of America on their 246th Independence Day.