Pakistan-US ties entering new phase of cooperation in multiple sectors: PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 04 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan and the United States were moving beyond a traditional diplomatic partnership toward a broader relationship rooted in people-to-people links, education, investment and shared economic opportunity, as both countries look to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.

Addressing a ceremony marking the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States, the prime minister said the foundation of Pakistan-US relations had expanded over decades and now rested not only on security cooperation, but increasingly on trade, innovation and human connectivity between the two societies.

He said Pakistan and the United States had built a strong relationship based on cooperation in diverse fields including security, counterterrorism, trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

The prime minister noted that the United States was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan after its independence, recalling that then US President Harry Truman had sent a congratulatory message to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah welcoming Pakistan into the community of nations.

Highlighting the contributions of the United States to Pakistan’s development, he said American support had played an important role in advancing the Green Revolution, constructing Tarbela Dam, establishing educational institutions and financing critical infrastructure projects across the country.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the role of thousands of Pakistani graduates of American universities and professionals trained in the United States who were contributing to Pakistan’s economy, academia, public service and entrepreneurship.

He said nearly one million Pakistani-Americans served as a strong bridge between the two nations, while around 80 leading American companies had invested in Pakistan, reflecting growing economic cooperation.

The prime minister said Pakistan was well-positioned to expand its information technology exports, with the United States remaining one of its most important markets.

Referring to cooperation on regional and global issues, he said the two countries had worked together during significant periods of history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the global campaign against terrorism.

He also acknowledged President Trump’s role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia, saying his efforts had contributed to easing tensions in the region.

“We shall forever remain grateful to President Trump for restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of people. In this context, he will always be remembered as a man of peace,” the prime minister remarked.

The prime minister said Pakistan was currently playing a sincere role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran and appreciated the trust placed in Pakistan by both countries. He also commended the efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in advancing regional peace and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised US envoy Natalie Baker and the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan for their efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed the hope that friendship between Pakistan and the United States would continue to flourish for the benefit of both peoples.

He said last week, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had an excellent meeting in Washington where they discussed bilateral as well as regional cooperation.

Earlier in her welcome address Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker reflected on the profound significance of the Declaration of Independence – and on the remarkable transformation of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship over the past two years.

CDA Baker credited the bold and results-oriented leadership of President Donald Trump with elevating the U.S.-Pakistan relationship to a genuine strategic partnership – one grounded in mutual respect, aligned interests, and a shared vision for security and prosperity.

She highlighted President Trump’s personal engagement with Pakistani leadership that reflects “a testament to the genuine personal bonds that exist at the highest levels of our two governments.”

CDA Baker also paid tribute to Islamabad’s serving as the venue for the highest-level U.S.-Iran talks since the 1979 revolution, saying, “Pakistan – by having good ties with both Tehran and Washington – was uniquely positioned to bring two adversaries together… It was Pakistan’s moment, and Pakistan rose to it.”