Positive momentum in Pakistan-U.S. relationship creates opportunities for closer cooperation in trade and investment: Ambassador Masood Khan

WASHINGTON, Nov 18 (SABAH): Ambassador Masood Khan has said that a positive momentum in Pakistan-U.S. relationship has created opportunities for closer cooperation in trade and investment, climate change and regional peace and stability.

Masood Khan pointed out this in his speaking engagements at University of Southern California (USC), think tanks and Pakistani-American community organizations in Los Angeles.

The ambassador highlighted the depth and longevity of Pakistan-U.S. bilateral ties. He said that as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the diplomatic ties, the relationship was poised to grow stronger in the future.

Tracing the history of Pakistan-U.S. relations, the ambassador noted that the two countries had cooperation in areas of economy, security and people-to people exchanges from the early stages to lay the foundations of a strong partnership. He said that both countries partnered during the cold war and on war against terrorism. While the strategic aspect of the relations still remained important, he noted, both countries were now moving towards a diverse, broad-based partnership, focused on trade and investment, education, climate change, IT and agricultural cooperation.

He noted that post U.S. troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, there had been some uncertainty about the relevance of the relationship. However, the recent high–level engagement and de-hyphenation of the relations from the prism of other countries had rejuvenated it into a broad-based partnership.

Ambassador Khan noted that the positive momentum in the relationship had created new avenues for cooperation, particularly in the economic realm. He said that the bilateral trade between the two countries had been growing fast. The U.S. remained the largest export market for Pakistan, and last year Pakistan’s exports to the U.S. increased from US$ 7 to $9 billion.

He said that Pakistan due to its geographical location and impressive demographic cohorts was emerging as an economic hub in the region. A large number of U.S. companies such as Proctor and Gamble, Abbot and Cargill had been successfully doing business in Pakistan for decades. He identified tech sector to be the next major area of cooperation between the two countries.

The ambassador also highlighted the devastation caused by the climate-induced floods in Pakistan. He appreciated the assistance of US$ 97 million provided by the U.S. for flood relief efforts. However, he added, more assistance was required from the international community for long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. He said that despite being one of the lowest emitter of Green House Gases (GHGs), Pakistan was the 8th most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change. He said that Pakistan was seeking climate justice and would continue to work with the U.S. to build a greener future.

The ambassador also underscored the need for developing new diction and expertise on Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. relations within the think tank community to dispel misperceptions and enhance cooperation.

Speaking on the role of youth in Pakistan-U.S. relations, the ambassador said that the Pakistani American youth could act as a super connector between the two nations. Being tech-savvy, the young generation could use social media to raise awareness on positives in Pakistan-U.S. relations. He said that the Government of Pakistan was investing and empowering its youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. He encouraged the students to excel in their field of work and use their expertise to contribute to both Pakistan and the Unites States’ progress and prosperity.