Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh hosts National Defence University delegation
Ambassador highlights resilience of Pak-US partnership
Washington, D.C. : Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh,, received a delegation from the National Defence University (NDU) at the Embassy of Pakistan. The delegation, comprising senior civilian and military officers, is concluding their mandatory National Security and War Course at Pakistan’s premier institute.
The NDU delegation was accompanied by senior representatives from the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA).
Ambassador Sheikh congratulated the delegation on successfully completing their leadership course, designed to prepare civil and military officers for higher responsibilities in their respective professional domains.
Interacting with the delegation, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, which began with a letter from President Truman to Pakistan’s founder on August 15, 1947, expressing a desire for cordial ties. He underscored Pakistan’s enduring geopolitical significance, driven by its strategic location and its status as the world’s fifth-largest population, projected to become the third-largest by 2050.
Reflecting on the U.S.-Pakistan partnership, Ambassador Sheikh highlighted its resilience over the past seven decades. He noted Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in combating terrorism and addressing climate change, referencing the devastating 2022 floods that submerged one-third of the country.
Economically, the Ambassador stressed that the United States remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with significant potential for collaboration in critical minerals and agriculture.
Addressing recent tensions between Pakistan and India, the Ambassador appreciated timely U.S. intervention that facilitated a ceasefire and de-escalation. However, he cautioned that the current ceasefire was fragile and urged continued international engagement, including from the United States, to address the underlying issues in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Water Treaty, warning against unilateral actions that threaten regional stability and food security.
The Ambassador advocated for a standalone strategic partnership with the United States, rooted in mutual interests and Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability. He highlighted Pakistan’s youthful population and technological potential as key assets for future cooperation.
The interactive session enabled the NDU delegation to explore Pakistan’s perspectives on global and regional challenges, reinforcing the importance of sustained dialogue between the two nations.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
