ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Strategic Perspectives at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a round table discussion with Donald Blome, Ambassador of the United States of America to Pakistan, on “Pakistan-US Relations in the Context of Regional and Global Developments on Thursday.

Other participants included former ambassadors and diplomats, heads of think tanks, academics, practitioners, and area experts.

In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood recalled the past patterns of the relationship and dilated on its current dynamics. He noted that the Pakistan-US relationship had been largely influenced by external circumstances, encompassing regional and global developments.

A statement issued quoted Sohail Mahmood as saying that the thrust of bilateral cooperation has now shifted from security to a wider range of areas, reflecting changing priorities. While counter-terrorism remained important, the greater focus now included trade, investment, energy, IT, environment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. This aligned with Pakistan’s pivot towards geo-economics and comprehensive human security. He concluded by stressing the importance of revitalising the relationship with due imagination and ambition about the future prospects.

Ambassador Donald Blome, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of establishing robust ties to strengthen the relationship even further. He emphasised that economic development was the cornerstone of Pakistan-US relations, with a renewed focus on laying the groundwork to bolster ties and collaborate effectively towards fostering enhanced peace, prosperity, and regional stability.

Following the talk, participants engaged in an interactive discussion that focused on a range of subjects, including the situation in Afghanistan, peace, security, and strategic stability in South Asia, conflict in Europe and the Middle East, developments in the Asia-Pacific, and maritime security.

In the end, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, chairman of the board of governors, ISSI, presented the institute’s memento to the keynote speaker, followed by a group photo.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2024