ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan and the United States have built a strong relationship based on cooperation in diverse fields including security, counterterrorism, trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States, the Prime Minister said foundation of Pakistan-US relations have expanded over decades and now rested not only on security cooperation, but increasingly on trade, innovation and human connectivity between the two societies.
He acknowledged President Trump’s role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia, saying his efforts had contributed to easing tensions in the region.
The Prime Minister further said Pakistan is proudly, but humbly, playing a sincere role as mediator between the United States and Iran.
He expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in Pakistan by both the countries.
Earlier, in her welcome address Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker highlighted President Trump’s personal engagement with Pakistani leadership that reflects a testament to the genuine personal bonds that exist at the highest levels of our two governments.
“The US was among the first nations to recognise Pakistan upon independence when Harry Truman wrote a congratulatory letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, welcoming Pakistan into the community of nations,” he said, while also praising US support for Pakistan’s Green Revolution and in the fields of development and education.
The prime minister said the story of the US was one of hope and optimism, rooted in enduring beliefs that could shape a better tomorrow through hard work and perseverance today.
“Today, under the bold and visionary leadership of President Trump, the US continues to inspire confidence and optimism while advancing peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said.
The prime minister commended the US corporate sector for continued investment in Pakistan, noting that around 80 major US companies were operating in the country.
He said Pakistan was poised to expand its IT exports, supported by one of the largest freelance workforces in the world, adding that the US remained a key destination in this regard.
Referring to the long-standing partnership between the two countries, he said Pakistan and the United States had worked closely during some of the most consequential moments in history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the post-9/11 period from 2001 to 2021.
He once again praised President Trump for his role in securing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following what he described as India’s unprovoked actions last year after the Pahalgam incident.
“It is President Trump’s timely and most decisive interventions that resulted in a ceasefire between Pakistan and India on May 10,” he said, adding that Pakistan would remain forever grateful for his role in restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of lives.
“In this context, he will always be remembered as the man of peace,” he added.
Referring to Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding Iran and the US, he said Pakistan was “proudly but humbly playing a sincere role” as a facilitator between the two countries. “We are grateful for the trust reposed in Pakistan by both these countries,” he added.
He also praised Field Marshal Asim Munir for advancing Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, saying these efforts continued with the support of Iran and the US, and prayed for lasting peace.
Concluding his remarks, the prime minister lauded Baker, calling her an excellent representative of the US in Pakistan, saying her “energetic engagement and active diplomacy” had helped bring the two countries closer.
