US stands with Pakistan to tackle global, regional challenges: Biden

WASHINGTON: Welcoming Pakistan’s new ambassador to the United States, President Joe Biden Wednesday said his country will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time.

Although, the White House did not issue any statement in this regard, the embassy quoted the president as saying, “The relationship between our two countries remains important for regional stability and security. We appreciate US-Pakistan cooperation on countering terrorist threats. We share a desire to build upon our bilateral relationship and strengthen US-Pakistan ties moving forward.”

It further quoted him as saying, “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.”

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presented his Letter of Credence to President Joe Biden. The ceremony took place at the Blair House and was attended by senior officials of the administration. 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 had a rich legacy of cooperative relations and laid multiple foundations to strengthen bilateral ties.

The ambassador observed that Pakistan and the US 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 was 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.

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, the statement said.