Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s new ambassador to the United States, was warmly welcomed by top American diplomats during a credential presentation ceremony at the U.S. Department of State. This ceremony, which took place almost a week after Sheikh officially began his diplomatic duties in Washington, was detailed in a statement released by the Pakistan Embassy on Friday.
The event saw the presence of prominent U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst. Sheikh’s appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
During the ceremony, Sheikh addressed the attendees and expressed his commitment to fortifying Pakistan-U.S. relations. He emphasized his dedication to enhancing high-level interactions between the two nations, boosting economic linkages, and improving people-to-people contacts. His remarks underscored the importance of these areas in building a robust bilateral partnership.
In the week leading up to the ceremony, Sheikh had been actively engaging with embassy staff to set priorities and address Pakistan’s current economic situation. His extensive diplomatic experience, including his previous role as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Pakistan Embassy, has equipped him with valuable insights and expertise. Sheikh has worked alongside notable former ambassadors such as Jalil Abbas Jilani, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Asad Majeed Khan, and Ali Jahangir Siddiqui.
On his first day in office, Sheikh also highlighted the crucial role of the Pakistani diaspora in the United States. He described them as a valuable asset and a strong bond in the Pakistan-U.S. relationship, recognizing their significant contribution to fostering ties between the two countries.
