The outgoing US Ambassador, Cameron Munter, admitted that United States and Pakistan faced tremendous challenges throughout his tenure. Munter, who quit as US Ambassador to Pakistan on Monday, stated in his farewell message to the people of Pakistan that he believed that he left at a time when "our enduring relationship is poised to find new areas of mutual interest, enhanced co-operation, and increasing productivity".
Cameron Munter will be replacing by Richard Olson as new US ambassador to Pakistan who has already been nominated by President Barrack Obama but is waiting for confirmation by the US Senate. "Today is my last day in Pakistan as the US Ambassador. Throughout my tenure, the United States and Pakistan have faced tremendous challenges. Our ties have suffered", the outgoing US diplomat noted.
With Nato supply lines open and with Prime Minister Ashraf having just concluded a successful visit to Afghanistan, Munter said that Pakistan had demonstrated its intention to be a key player in fostering regional stability and taking an active role in building a stable, secure, and prosperous Afghanistan. The United States welcomed this role, he added.
He said that Pakistan faced significant internal challenges in such areas as security, energy, education, and economic development. "Pakistan must look to its own people and its own potential to meet these challenges...These problems will not be solved by blaming outsiders or foreign interference," he added. Munter expressed the optimism that Pakistan could overcome these challenges. "As it does so, the United States will stand behind Pakistan," he added. "As Pakistan leads, the United States and Pakistan's many international friends will follow with support, assistance, and encouragement."
On a personal note, he also thanked the people of Pakistan for the incredible warmth, hospitality, and kindness they showed him and his wife, Dr Marilyn Wyatt, during their tenure. "You have truly made this our home, and a place to which we hope to return often," Munter said in the message to Pakistani people.
The outgoing US ambassador said despite the differences between the two governments and the difficulties faced, "it is the people we have met that give me faith that Pakistan will achieve its potential and embody its promise". He said that the bond between the Pakistani and the American people had been and would remain the strong foundation of relations as nations.
Comments
Comments are closed.