WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, has said that Pakistan and the US are engaged in promoting shared objectives through a dialogue process and working on an agenda that is mutually beneficial for the two nations.
In an interview with a Chinese media outlet, the Ambassador said “We are looking towards the future with confidence.”
The envoy said that the two countries had worked on “perception management” which was critical after the “messy” war on terror, and using the space available given the geostrategic complexities of the region to build a stand-alone relationship. “I think we have succeeded to a great extent and will enhance this space.”
Pakistan-China Relations
On Pakistan-China relations, Masood Khan said that the relationship was productive, adding that Pakistan’s relationship with China is not at the expense of its friendship with the United States.
Terming the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project “very significant”, he said that after completing early harvest projects, the two nations realized that the mega project should also have a holistic programme, including investments in technology, vocational training, tourism, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges.
He said that up to now, about 25 billion dollars have been disbursed and by 2030, the projects would be completed.
The ambassador said that since it is the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), both countries have a reputational commitment to this project so that it succeeds under all circumstances.
Discussing China’s broader role and multilateralism, Masood Khan highlighted the need for a level playing field for all nations so that they can grow together.
They can avert wars and confrontation and opt for peace through diplomacy and dialogue, he said.
The envoy further said that he was confident that the complementarities between the Western bloc and China would strengthen in the times to come which would benefit the developing world, including Pakistan.
