Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, met with the outgoing US Ambassador Donald Blome in Islamabad, on Thursday.
It has been nearly four years since the United States had a full-time representative in Islamabad.
His term began when the United States withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, ending the country’s longest war.
When Donald Blome took office as Pakistan’s ambassador in 2022, there were great opportunities and problems.This change allowed the bilateral relations to focus on other issues apart from Afghanistan.
Before joining Pakistan, Blome had served as chargé d’affaires at the Libya External Office as well as ambassador to Tunisia.
In the long career in diplomatic services, he has also worked as director of Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the US Department of State and consul general in Jerusalem.
Pakistani leaders Naqvi and US Chargé d’Affaires Blome discussed some key global issues on his farewell call, including terrorism, and ways to enhance relations between Pakistan and the United States.
Minister Naqvi thanked Ambassador Blome for his efforts toward furthering Pakistan-US relations. He extended his goodwill towards Blome for his future endeavors.
The US ambassador condemned the recent terror attacks in Pakistan and underlined the fact that this fight required international cooperation.
Minister Naqvi also agreed on the same lines with Blome. He said international cooperation was need of the hour effectively move forward the fight against terror.
“Terrorism is a global issue that requires collaboration,” Naqvi stated, urging the international community to develop a comprehensive strategy.
He further said that Pakistan is strict regarding illegal immigration, and the immigrants will not be permitted to reside here. He also appreciated the cooperation he received from institutions of Pakistan throughout his service here.
The Deputy Head of Mission for US, Natalie Baker, and the Federal Secretary of Interior Khurram Ali Agha also attended the farewell.
The discussions revealed a mutual respect with a commonality in dealing with global issues.
