WASHINGTON, Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan hosted Pakistan Day Reception at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC on Thursday.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Dean Thompson graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by a large number of U.S. dignitaries, members of Diplomatic Corps, academia, civil society, media, international organizations and Pakistani-American Community.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khan highlighted the importance of the National Day and reaffirmed the commitment of the nation to making Pakistan a beacon of peace, progress and prosperity. He said that the Government of Pakistan was focused on economic growth by shifting from geostrategic to a geo-economic paradigm.
The Ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities that sought to deliver peace, prosperity, better life and living standards to its people. Speaking about Pakistan-U.S. relations, the Ambassador underscored the desire on both sides to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. He highlighted the far-reaching and broad based bilateral agenda that ranged from promoting trade and investment, defense and energy cooperation to deepening of people to people linkages and greater education and cultural exchanges. There was also immense potential for cooperation on global issues, such as public health, combating climate change, and fighting corruption.
Referring to the regional situation, the Ambassador pledged that Pakistan will continue to work with the United States and the international community to avert humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan. He also impressed upon the need for India to take meaningful steps for resolution of all longstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir dispute, for ensuring regional peace and socio-economic development of the people of the region.
The Ambassador paid glowing tribute to the immense contributions of the nearly 1 million strong Pakistani-American community in the United States. He lauded their success in all fields of life and their important role in cementing Pakistan-US relations by acting as a bridge between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Dean Thompson felicitated the Pakistani nation on the National Day and said that the United States sought to build on the existing cooperation with Pakistan to advance shared priorities, including fostering economic growth and regional connectivity. He also highlighted existing cooperation between the two countries in a range of areas including COVID, climate change, education, women empowerment and regional peace and stability. “We believe that Pakistan’s role is and will continue to be vital in ensuring peace and stability in the region and beyond”, stated Mr. Thompson. Chairperson and Co-Chair of Congressional Pakistan Caucus, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Tom Suozzi respectively sent video messages congratulating the Pakistani nation on the occasion.
The National Day Reception was the last official engagement of Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan before his departure for Brussels. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Dean Thompson and other dignitaries expressed high praise and deep appreciation for Ambassador Khan’s contributions in strengthening mutually beneficial ties between the two countries during his tenure.
