Govt of Pakistan focused on enhancing its int’l relationships & we see Bahamas as a key partner in this endeavor: Masood Khan

WASHINGTON, June 20 (SABAH): Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan on Thursday presented his credentials to Governor General of the Commonwealth of Bahamas, The Most Honorable Cynthia A. Pratt, as non-resident High Commissioner-Designate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in a special ceremony held at Governor General’s Office.

“As the High Commissioner of Pakistan to the Bahamas, it would my priority and privilege to work towards enhancing our bilateral ties,” said Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to Bahamas in his remarks before formally presenting his credentials. “The Government of Pakistan is focused on enhancing its international relationships and we see Bahamas as a key partner in this endeavor,” he continued. Governor General Cynthia A. Pratt, while accepting the letters of credence of Pak envoy, said that Bahamas deeply admired Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, its diverse traditions and the remarkable resilience of the people. “Bahamas recognizes Pakistan significant contributions to regional stability, and global peacekeeping efforts,” she added. “The Bahamas stands in solidarity with Pakistan in its pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity,” observed Governor General Cynthia A. Pratt.

Outlining future roadmap for strengthening bilateral ties, Masood Khan said that two nations have immense potential to enhance trade and investment ties, particularly in sectors such as tourism, financial services and information technology. “By fostering collaborative ventures and leveraging our respective strengths, we can unlock significant economic opportunities that will benefit both our countries,” he said. “We are committed to facilitating cultural, educational, and social exchanges that will not only deepen our understanding of each other’s rich heritage but also forge lasting bonds of friendship between our citizens,” he added.

Governor General Cynthia A. Pratt assured the Ambassador that her government was keen to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors, including trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. “By leveraging our respective strengths and resources, I am confident that we can create a brighter and more prosperous future for our people,” she said in her remarks.

Thanking the Government of Bahamas for its support to Pakistan’s candidature for the U.N. Security Council, Masood Khan pointed out that mutual collaboration in multilateral organizations presented an excellent opportunity for both the countries to advance common goals and address global challenges such as climate change. Ms. Pratt appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards pressing issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate also pointed out that Bahamas active participation in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) positioned it as a vital link for Pakistan to enhance its engagement with the regional bloc. “Pakistan acknowledges the importance of CARICOM in promoting regional stability and economic integration and sees potential for collaboration in areas of mutual interest such as trade and technology,” said the Ambassador. Masood Khan noted that Pakistan worked closely with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) group to combat climate change and to advocate for just economic and financial order for vulnerable countries. Reciprocating the sentiments of the leadership of Pakistan, as conveyed by the Ambassador, Governor General Pratt conveyed her regards to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and to the people of Pakistan. Earlier, Ambassador Masood Khan called on Hon. Glenys Margaret Elaine Hanna-Martin, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training of the Commonwealth of Bahamas.

The Ambassador also called on Hon. Fredrick A. Mitchell M.P., the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Bahamas, and presented the copy of his Letter of Credence. Permanent Secretary Melvin Seymour and Director General Jerusa Ali from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahamas also joined the meeting. The Ambassador also met Mr. Sameer Bhatti, CEO of The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). Sameer Bhatti, a Bahamian of Pak descent, briefed the Ambassador about BTC and how the company was serving the community in the field of technology.