- Pakistan is pure companion for US as a result of strategic location: Iqbal.
- Stresses participating Pakistani diaspora in US to strengthen ties.
- US envoy reaffirms dedication to foster bilateral cooperation.
Federal Minister for Planning and Growth Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism about revitalising the Pakistan-US partnership primarily based on “mutual respect and constructive engagement” below the incoming US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump.
He said this whereas addressing an occasion organised by america Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID) to mark the longstanding US infrastructure growth help to Pakistan on Monday.
The minister emphasised that mutual respect and constructive engagement between each international locations was the important thing to addressing shared challenges and unlocking new alternatives for progress.
Earlier this month, Republican candidate Donald Trump was elected the forty seventh president of america with 312 electoral votes, making a rare comeback 4 years after he was voted out of the White Home.
His opponent, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, had grabbed 226 electoral votes within the presidential election.
Trump might be sworn in on the presidential inauguration ceremony on the US Capitol constructing in Washington DC on January 20, 2025.
Iqbal highlighted the significance of addressing international challenges akin to local weather change, vitality sustainability and meals safety whereas discussing future cooperation between each international locations.
The minister known as for collaborative analysis in renewable vitality, sustainable agriculture, and fashionable infrastructure to construct a extra resilient future.
He additionally burdened the necessity for participating the colourful Pakistani diaspora in america to strengthen cultural, educational and financial ties between the 2 international locations, APP quoted an official assertion as saying.
“Pakistan, with its strategic location on the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Center East, is a pure companion for america in selling regional connectivity and financial integration,” Iqbal mentioned.
He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to constructing a way forward for peace, prosperity and progress in collaboration with the US.
He mentioned important contributions of america to Pakistan’s infrastructure initiatives mirrored the enduring strategic significance of the bilateral relationship, and outlined a highway map for future cooperation below the management of the brand new US president.
The minister highlighted the historic basis of US-Pakistan relations, which started with defence cooperation and developed into a strong growth partnership.
He burdened the significance of fostering a brand new dimension of collaboration targeted on schooling, infrastructure and financial growth to handle rising international challenges.
According to the imaginative and prescient of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he mentioned, Pakistan would set up pleasant and cordial relations with all nations, notably america, which all the time stood for justice and humanity.
Iqbal lauded the transformational influence of US-supported infrastructure initiatives in Pakistan, citing the long-lasting Mangla and Tarbela dams that continued to function lifelines for the agriculture and vitality sectors.
He additionally talked about US-funded initiatives in healthcare, schooling and transportation sectors, which considerably improved the standard of life for thousands and thousands.
He seen these initiatives as not solely addressing Pakistan’s fast wants but additionally laying the muse for long-term sustainable progress.
The minister additionally recalled the US-Pakistan Information Hall, launched through the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) authorities tenure of 2013-18, describing it as a ‘important initiative’ to strengthen educational and analysis collaborations.
Iqbal acknowledged the Fulbright Scholarship program, the most important on the planet for Pakistan, as a transformative alternative that empowered hundreds of Pakistanis to contribute meaningfully to nationwide progress.
The senior chief of the ruling PML-N underscored the potential for increasing bilateral commerce, which exceeded $6.5 billion in 2023, and known as for enhanced market entry and joint ventures in key sectors akin to data expertise, agriculture and manufacturing.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and USAID Mission Director Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsiri, who had been additionally current on the occasion, highlighted the achievements of the US-Pakistan relationship over the previous seven many years and reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation.