U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome has stressed the necessity of reinforcing the robust U.S.-Pakistan relationship under the umbrella of the “Green Alliance”, during his recent visit to Karachi from June 22 to 24.
The American diplomat used his trip to engage in discussions with various government officials, representatives of the American Business Council, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations, and the Pakistan Naval Academy.
Blome was joined by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Consul General Nicole Theriot, and several prominent figures from the political, business, and civil societies in Karachi, to commemorate the 247th U.S. Independence Day.
In his speech at the reception, Blome conveyed his gratitude, saying, “I am delighted and appreciative of the chance to live and serve in this extraordinary nation.”
He also highlighted the common grounds between the two nations, stating, “Americans and Pakistanis share many similarities and collective triumphs to cherish. In unison, we can further stability, environmental sustainability, and prosperity for both our countries.”
During his meeting with the Sindh chief minister, Blome examined the possibility of broadening the U.S.-Pakistan commercial and economic partnership, along with other mutual objectives.
The ambassador also visited the Joint Maritime Information Command Centre (JMICC) and met with Coastal Command (COMCOAST) Commander Rear Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, where they discussed a shared vision for regional maritime peace and stability.
In his interactions with industry leaders from the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and the American Business Council (ABC), Blome explored ways to foster private sector-led, fair, and sustainable economic development in both countries.
Underlining the focus on a new framework called the US-Pakistan ‘Green Alliance’, Blome stated that it seeks to encourage climate-smart agriculture and private sector-led growth in Pakistan.
The U.S. is Pakistan’s largest bilateral trade partner and a significant source of foreign direct investment, with U.S. investment in Pakistan witnessing a more than 50% increase in the past year.
While addressing the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations, Blome stated that U.S.-Pakistan relations have the potential for further progress in trade, investment, clean energy, health security, climate change, inclusive governance, and regional security.
One noteworthy event during Blome’s visit to Karachi was his attendance at the Commencement Exercise at the Pakistan Naval Academy. He stressed on strengthening maritime security collaboration with the Pakistan Navy, to ensure freedom of navigation in international waters, thereby facilitating global and regional economic activities.
In the preceding week, the U.S. inquired about Pakistan’s alternative plan in the event the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program ends without the disbursement of the penultimate loan installment of $1.2 billion. The so-called “Plan B” is now being eagerly awaited as the four-year IMF program might end like the preceding 21 unsuccessful programs.
In the meanwhile, geopolitical dynamics are changing, with U.S.-India relations strengthening following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington and a breakthrough between the U.S. and China to ease tensions and pursue a non-confrontational path.
