WASHINGTON, June 9: Pakistan’s new Ambassador to the United States Mahmud Ali Durrani presented his preliminary credentials to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday.

During their meeting, Secretary Rice and Ambassador-appointed Durrani “discussed the importance of our multi-faceted bilateral agenda and issues of common concern,” said a brief note issued by the State Department.

Mr Durrani will present his final credentials to President Bush in next few weeks. The White House has not yet fixed a date for the formal ceremony.

Ambassador Durrani arrived in Washington on Sunday and took charge of his office from Monday.