ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said on Friday that he held a “productive meeting” with US Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, to discuss the evolving partnership between the two countries.
According to a post on X, Ambassador Sheikh said the discussions focused on regional security challenges, including “the escalating and sponsored terrorism from Afghanistan,” and the “urgent need to address the leftover military equipment.”
He emphasized that a “stable, standalone Pak-US relationship remained vital to regional as well as global peace, security, and stability.”
The ambassador’s remarks were posted publicly on X.
Economic and security cooperation
Meanwhile, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Thursday that Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation across various fields, with special focus on economic and security.
The pledge came during a meeting between Ambassador Sheikh and the chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Brian Mast, in Washington.
Both sides expressed a shared resolve to enhance the multifaceted partnership, underscoring its importance for mutual and regional stability.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations.
‘Year of action’
The ambassador thanked the congressman for his leadership, efforts, and consistent support in promoting Pak-US relations.
Referring to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s commitment to transform bilateral ties into a long-term, sustainable partnership based on economic cooperation, Sheikh said 2026 should be declared a “year of action.”
He emphasized the need for a high-level economic dialogue between the two countries to commence at the earliest.
Stressing the importance of initiating a comprehensive and immediate dialogue across the fields of energy, defense, minerals, information technology, and artificial intelligence, the ambassador said that Pakistan, with its low-cost, high-quality capabilities, has the potential to meet the growing needs of the American market.
Favorable trade environment
Surgical instruments and products manufactured in Pakistan are renowned worldwide for their quality, he said, adding that a favorable trade environment and due attention will lead to a guaranteed increase in textile and other exports from Pakistan.
He said 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.
Terrorism emanating from Kabul
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.
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 by the US at the time of withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The ambassador of Pakistan also invited Congressman Mast to visit Pakistan, saying that his visit would further strengthen parliamentary and public ties between the two countries.
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