ISLAMABAD, Jan 8 (APP): Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation across various fields, with special focus on economic and security.<\/p>\n
The pledge came during a meeting between Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and the Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Brian Mast, in Washington, according to a press statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Both sides expressed a shared resolve to enhance the multifaceted partnership, underscoring its importance for mutual and regional stability.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged New Year greetings and reaffirmed the commitment to work together to further strengthen bilateral relations.<\/p>\n
The ambassador thanked Chairman Mast for his leadership, efforts, and consistent support in promoting Pak-U.S. relations.<\/p>\n
Referring to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s commitment to transform bilateral ties into a long-term, sustainable partnership based on economic cooperation, Rizwan Sheikh said 2026 should be declared a year of action.<\/p>\n
He emphasized the need for a high-level economic dialogue between the two countries to commence at the earliest.<\/p>\n
Stressing the importance of initiating a comprehensive and immediate dialogue in the fields of energy, defense, minerals, information technology, and artificial intelligence, the ambassador said Pakistan, with its low-cost and high-quality capabilities, has the potential to meet the growing needs of the American market.<\/p>\n
Surgical instruments and products manufactured in Pakistan are renowned worldwide for their quality, he said adding that a favourable trade environment and due attention will lead to a guaranteed increase in textile and other Pakistani exports.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he informed that the continuous use of footballs manufactured in Sialkot in the last five FIFA World Cup matches is a testament to Pakistan’s capabilities in the sports goods sector.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, exchanging views on the regional situation, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed pointed out that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan poses serious threats to Pakistan’s security situation and regional and international peace.<\/p>\n
Due to the activities of terrorists taking refuge in Afghanistan, terrorist incidents in Pakistan increased by 40% in 2024 and by a further 25% in 2025, he said and expressed serious concern over the continued illicit and aggressive use of weapons left behind at the time of withdrawal from Afghanistan.<\/p>\n
The ambassador of Pakistan also invited Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, to visit Pakistan, saying that this visit will further strengthen parliamentary and public ties.<\/p>\n