US President Joe Biden reiterated the importance of a long-standing partnership between the United States and Pakistan for maintaining both global and regional stability. This message was conveyed during a formal ceremony in which Biden accepted the letter of credence from Pakistan’s newly appointed envoy, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, marking the beginning of his tenure as Pakistan’s 30th ambassador to the United States.
The ceremonial event, held at the prestigious Blair House, was attended by notable figures from both diplomatic circles and the US administration. President Biden’s remarks highlighted the significance of the two countries’ relationship and the shared responsibilities they face in tackling global challenges.
“The enduring partnership between our countries is crucial for global and regional stability,” Biden stated, emphasising that both nations must work together to confront issues such as climate change, security threats, and global health challenges. He acknowledged the history of US-Pakistan cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, and stressed the need to continue building upon common interests, including security, trade, investment, and economic growth.
The ceremony comes at a time of heightened geopolitical dynamics, with US-Pakistan relations remaining a focal point in broader international discourse. Earlier this week, the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese and Pakistani entities for their alleged role in assisting Pakistan’s missile programme. However, the Biden administration maintained that these sanctions were not a reflection of the broader US-Pakistan relationship, and the partnership remains essential.
In his address, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh brought greetings from Pakistan’s leadership and reaffirmed the deep-seated ties between the two countries. He underlined the significance of economic cooperation as the cornerstone of bilateral engagement, noting that the US continues to be the largest destination for Pakistani exports.
“Pakistan-US economic partnership is central to our engagement. We look forward to expanding our collaboration in areas like alternative energy, green technology, digital platforms, and higher education,” Ambassador Sheikh stated. He also called attention to the pivotal role played by the Pakistani-American diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations and suggested structured dialogues to enhance cooperation in both security and non-security spheres.
