Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has appreciated the United States for timely intervention that facilitated a ceasefire and de-escalation between India and Pakistan.

He was talking to a delegation from the National Defence University comprising senior civilian and military officers, which called on him at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

Interacting with the delegation, the Ambassador emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, which began with a letter from President Truman to Pakistan’s founder on August 15, 1947, expressing a desire for cordial ties.

Reflecting on the US-Pakistan partnership, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted its resilience over the past seven decades. He said Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in combating terrorism and addressing climate change, referencing the devastating 2022 floods that submerged one-third of the country.

The Ambassador stressed that the United States remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with significant potential for collaboration in critical minerals and agriculture.

Addressing recent tensions between Pakistan and India, he cautioned that the current ceasefire was fragile and urged continued international engagement, including from the United States, to address the underlying issues in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ambassador advocated for a standalone strategic partnership with the United States, rooted in mutual interests and Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability. He highlighted Pakistan’s youthful population and technological potential as key assets for future cooperation.