ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Donald Blome underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting Pakistan in various areas, including climate management and education, at an international conference titled ‘Strengthening Pakistan-US Relations’ hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Lahore.
Appreciating Pakistan’s contribution to counterterrorism, Ambassador Blome highlighted the enduring partnership between the US and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of economic collaboration, renewable energy, and addressing regional threats. He praised Pakistan’s dynamic young population and the nation’s economic opportunities, noting significant US investments in health, trade, and development sectors.
Additional Secretary (Americas), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mariam Madiha Aftab, echoed these sentiments, describing the US-Pakistan relationship as dynamic and multifaceted, covering health, trade, defence, and energy security. She stressed the importance of economic collaboration, security cooperation, educational exchanges, and climate change initiatives, calling for the US to foster peace and stability in the region and support a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Ambassador Mansoor Khan, Director of the Beaconhouse Centre for Policy Research (BCPR), highlighted the political, security, and economic ties between the two countries and announced a new undergraduate course on Pakistan-US relations at BNU.
Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives at ISSI, emphasized the significant contributions of the US to Pakistan’s development in sectors such as education, healthcare, and climate change. She called for mutual respect and cooperation to address contemporary challenges and opportunities.
ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood provided an overview of the historical and current dynamics of Pakistan-US relations, noting the shift in focus from security to trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. He called for realistic expectations and greater attention to Pakistan’s role and potential in the emerging global order, urging Washington to consider Pakistan’s interests and concerns, particularly regarding the US-India strategic partnership.
The inaugural session concluded with Chairman Board of Governors ISSI Ambassador Khalid Mahmood presenting shields to the chief guest and keynote speaker.
