WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s newly-appointed Ambassador to the United States Dr Asad Majeed Khan presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump at a ceremony held at the White House, a press release issued from the country’s mission in Washington said on Saturday.
“Ambassador Khan conveyed the greetings of Pakistan’s leadership to President Trump who reciprocated with similar positive sentiments for Prime Minister Imran Khan,” the press release stated.
The press release further stated that President Trump wants to “explore opportunities for the two countries to work closely together and to renew their partnership”.
Majeed, arrived in Washington earlier this week to take charge of the effort to renew the once close relationship between the US and Pakistan.
He is also expected to revive Pakistani lobbies on the Hill that once played an effective role in promoting bilateral ties but have become ineffective due to internal disputes and lack of interest.
Majeed’s efforts to re-engage with the Pakistani-American community will be restricted by a US ban that prohibits Pakistani diplomats from travelling outside of a 25-mile radius around Washington without approval.
Dr Majeed replaces Ali Jahangir Siddiqui, who was appointed as the ambassador by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government. Siddiqui stepped down from his position on December 25, 2018.
The newly appointed ambassador is a career diplomat who recently served as Pakistan’s ambassador in Tokyo.
In the past, he has served in New York and Washington in different capacities. His appointment was announced by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in October last year.