ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Donald Blome presented his credentials to President Arif Alvi on Friday during a ceremony held at theAiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.

Talking to the U.S. ambassador, Alvi emphasized that a constructive and sustained engagement between the two countries on the principles of mutual respect and mutual interest was vital to promote peace, development and security in the region.

“We encourage US companies to invest in Pakistan and reap dividends from the lucrative benefits offered by Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones”, he said.

He said that this year would mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pak-USA diplomatic ties which would be celebrated befittingly.

The president noted that there had been a healthy momentum of engagement between Pakistan and the USA through dialogues on the climate change, health, energy, Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

President Alvi highlighted that Pakistan was actively involved in engagement with its diaspora in the USA in the Tech sector and was desirous of more investments from the US companies.

Donald Blome was confirmed as Pakistan’s next US Ambassador on March 3, 2022. He is the first full-time ambassador after David Hale, who completed his three-year term in Islamabad and left for Washington to take over as undersecretary of state for political affairs.

The ambassador took the oath on May 18 as the US Ambassador to Pakistan. The oath was administered by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. The appointment of a full-time ambassador was expected to boost bilateral ties between the country.

On 23rd May, Blome arrived in Pakistan, however, his credentials were not received immediately by President Arif Alvi.

This raised some questions as it was suspected that there were political motives behind the delay. However, according to reporter Tariq Chaudhary, the date of the ceremony was decided according to convenience, as other ambassadors were also expected to present their credentials on the same day.

Therefore, along with US Ambassador Donald Blome, nominees and ambassadors from other countries also took part in the ceremony.

Dr Mehmet, nominated ambassador of Turkey, also presented his credentials to President Alvi. Similarly, Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins, Nominated EU Ambassador Rina Nyokun, and Sudan’s nominated ambassador Saleh Mohammad also presented their credentials to the premier.