ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Strategic Perspectives at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad on Thursday arranged a roundtable discussion with US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome on “Pakistan-US Relations in the Context of Regional and Global Developments”. Other participants included former Ambassadors and diplomats, academics, practitioners, heads of think tanks and area experts.
In his welcome address, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood recalled the past patterns of the relationship and dilated on its current dynamics. He said that the Pakistan-US relationship has been largely influenced by external circumstances, encompassing regional as well as global developments.
He said that the bilateral cooperation’s thrust has now shifted from security to a wider range of areas, reflecting changing priorities. While counter-terrorism remains important, the greater focus now includes investment, trade, energy, IT, education, culture, environment, and people-to-people exchanges. This aligns with Islamabad’s pivot towards geo-economics and comprehensive human security.
He stressed the significance of revitalizing the relationship, with due imagination and ambition about the future prospects.
Cornerstone of Pakistan-US Ties
Ambassador Blome in his remarks underlined the significance of establishing robust contacts to strengthen relations even further. He said that economic development is the cornerstone of Pakistan-US ties with a renewed focus on groundwork to bolster relations and collaborate effectively towards fostering enhanced peace, prosperity, and regional stability.
Following the talk, participants of the seminar engaged in an interactive discussion that focused on a range of issues– including the situation in Afghanistan; conflict in Europe and the Middle East; peace, security and strategic stability in South Asia; developments in Asia-Pacific; and maritime security.
