WASHINGTON: Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh on Tuesday said that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has further underscored Pakistan’s geopolitical significance in terms of transit and shipments.
“Pakistan can provide a crucial economic corridor between China, Central Asia, and the Gulf states. Pakistan’s focus is shifting from geopolitics to geo-economics,” the ambassador said in his keynote address at the 4th Annual Pakistan-US Conference held at Georgetown University.
“Pakistan’s geographical location is of paramount importance,” the ambassador told the gathering of prominent American think-tank members, former ambassadors and experts who discussed the diverse challenges facing Pakistan, its journey of economic development, and its significant future role in the global arena.
He said that while historical events and geography have highlighted the country’s importance, existing challenges have also impacted economic and financial progress.
He told the gathering that Pakistan’s geography, as well as its present and future, were linked with the Middle East.
Ambassador Sheikh said that despite threats from eastern and western borders and other adverse circumstances, Pakistan has consistently played a positive and successful role in global and regional peace and security. Pakistan’s role in this regard is well-known as the country has always been at the forefront of peace efforts, he added.
Regarding the US-Iran conflict, the ambassador emphasized that Pakistan’s positive efforts and facilitation should be viewed in light of its successful diplomatic history.
He said the expression of confidence in Pakistan by both warring countries was a matter of pride and satisfaction and that Pakistan was fulfilling its role with sincerity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
He stated that Pakistan is among the world’s oldest civilizations and would continue to play its role in regional and global security and economic matters.
Ambassador Sheikh paid tribute to the organizers and the Pakistani students at Georgetown University, specifically acknowledging the leadership of Rai Hassan Masood Kharal and International Academy of Letters President Ghazanfar Hashmi for the successful conduct of the conference. –Agencies
