New era of Pakistan-US ties to be based on stronger economic, long-term cooperation: Amb Sheikh

WASHINGTON, May 6 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh on Wednesday highlighting the country’s national security policy centered on geo-economics, said that a new era of Pakistan-America relations would be based on strong economic ties and long-term cooperation.

The ambassador, who hosted a dinner for a delegation of prominent Pakistani businessmen currently visiting the United States under the SelectUSA program, said that for the two nations, bilateral political and economic relations were not merely optional but essential and a critical need of the time.

Held at Pakistan House, the event was attended by the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur, American Consul General in Karachi Charles Goodman and senior officials from the US Department of State and the US Department of Commerce.

The visiting delegation, comprising 16 representatives from nine major Pakistani companies, is in the United States to explore investment opportunities and foster economic activity.

The ambassador noted that the recent trade activity and movement at the Karachi Port during the ongoing Middle East conflict had naturally highlighted Pakistan’s geo-strategic importance.

He urged the trade communities of both countries to fully leverage Pakistan’s geographic location and existing economic opportunities, affirming that the leadership of both nations was committed to maximizing bilateral economic potential.

In his address, Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur acknowledged that despite historical ups and downs, Islamabad-Washington relations had remained significant in every era, with the current period being particularly crucial.

He said that while the security aspect of bilateral relations remained important, economic ties held key significance.

Kapur said that there were immense opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries and both nations should work together to utilize these opportunities.

Consul General Charles Goodman said that he had been working for the past eight months to identify investment opportunities in Pakistan and to enhance bilateral trade.

The consul general said that the SelectUSA program provided Pakistani entrepreneurs with opportunities to access the American market, terming the delegation’s visit a clear and practical example of growing bilateral economic cooperation.