US ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has had “first encounter with Pakistan’s historic jingle trucks and learned about the art and the artists who made this such a distinct and characteristic art for in Pakistan.”

The US envoy who has recently taken charge of the position in Islamabad said this in his first video message on social media on Saturday.

“We [Washington and Islamabad] are proud of our long-standing partnership with Pakistan. In fact, our relationship began 75 years ago, very shortly after Pakistan gained its independence,” he said.

Blome considered living in a world “full of challenges” and said: “We can address those challenges most effectively by working together side by side.”

He looked forward to “deepening the connections” between the Pakistani and American people, which have a rich history, and an even brighter future.

The US envoy to Pakistan also looked forward to “exploring Pakistan” from Karachi to Lahore, Peshawar to Gilgit-Baltistan and all the places in between.

“I hope I have the chance to meet some of you in the coming weeks and months,” he added.

Blome’s appointment comes after at least four years when former ambassador David Hale completed his three-year term in Islamabad from 2015 to 2018.

US President Joe Biden had appointed Blome as the country’s ambassador to Pakistan in October and the US Senate confirmed his appointment on March 3.

He arrived in Pakistan on May 23 to take charge of the position.