PM Imran Khan seeks to bolster ties with US

• PM Imran Khan meets Ambassador-designate to US Sardar Masood Ahmed.
• "Pakistan-US relations are based on partnership and shared goals," he says.
• PM emphasises correctly projecting Pakistan's foreign policy priorities.

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday directed Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to the United States Sardar Masood Ahmed Khan to work on further strengthening bilateral ties between two countries.

The development came during the ambassador and the premier's meeting at the latter's office, which was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the PM Office said in a series of tweets.

During the meeting, the prime minister stated that Pakistan desires to have strong ties with all countries including the US.

 "Pakistan-US relations are based on partnership and shared goals."

The prime minister and US President Joe Biden have not met or held a telephonic conversation since the Democrat came into power last year.

The prime minister said that the connectivity of the Pakistani diaspora is one of the top-most priorities of the government and the United States is home to a very vibrant Pakistani community that acts as a bridge between the two countries.

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PM Imran Khan also directed the ambassador-designate to work towards further strengthening Pakistan-US relations, particularly for the enhancement of trade, investment and public diplomacy.

"He emphasised correctly projecting Pakistan's foreign policy priorities," the statement read.

PM Imran Khan wished Ambassador Khan — an experienced diplomat and has previously served as Ambassador of Pakistan to China and Permanent Representative to United Nations — success for his new assignment.

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Masood had in February replaced former Pakistani ambassador to US Asad Majeed Khan.