Pakistan's Ambassador to the US Masood Khan has emphasized strong defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and the US. Addressing Annual Pakistan conference titled, “Looking Back, Looking Forward: Assessing the US-Pakistan Relationship”, in Washington, he said this is crucial for regional security and opposing the rising tide of terrorism that also threatens the interests of the US and its allies. The Ambassador observed that the prospects of Pakistan-United States relations are bright. Noting that the two countries have leveraged their bilateral relationship for their respective strategic interests, Masood Khan said that they were developing a practical roadmap that enabled them deepen their understanding and deliver security and prosperity for all Highlighting Pakistan's demographic dividend, technological advancements, and huge market opportunities, Ambassador Khan invited US investors and businesses to tap the country's potential.

Projecting security, economic and strategic component as the new domains of cooperation between the two countries, Masood Khan observed that security cooperation has its importance. He highlighted high level defence talks, frequent meetings, military exercises including Inspired Union-2024, Falcon Talon and Red Flag that promoted defence cooperation between the two countries. Outlining numerous areas of successful collaboration between Pakistan and the US, including energy, agriculture, climate change, healthcare, education, science, and technology, Ambassador Masood Khan expressed gratitude for US assistance and ongoing partnerships while welcoming the launch of new initiatives in these fields. He invited the attention of the participants towards huge investment opportunities in IT, energy, agriculture and minerals sectors. He said SIFC-prioritized projects have opened up new opportunities to American technologies in agriculture, ICT and mining projects,” said the Ambassador.

On the Pak-China relationship, Masood Khan said that Pakistan’s posture is neither one of strategic autonomy nor of strategic neutrality; but one that may be called a strategic dyad model, which has been chosen by major countries in Global South. Pakistan is a strategic bridge between the US and China in the early 1970s. Now we can be an economic conduit. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can connect the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the US-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). On India, the Ambassador said Pakistan has always been keen on dialogue with India to resolve outstanding problems, such as the Kashmir dispute. Elections in two countries should offer a new opening for diplomacy. He observed that the US should make Pakistan a partner for a diplomatic comeback in Kabul, if that is what is being planned, and work with Pakistan, in an inclusive setting, on counterterrorism and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan