Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States (US) Masood Khan has said Pakistan and United States have held many dialogue processes to promote the shared objectives and we continue to work on an agenda that is mutually beneficial for the two countries.

He said we are looking towards the future, into the future with confidence. Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks during his interview with renowned anchor Anand Naidoo during the flagship program of China Global Television Network-America, The Heat, according to a press release received from Washington DC here on Thursday.

Outlining the contours of Pak-US relations post withdrawal period, the envoy said that the two countries have worked on perception management which was critical after the ‘messy’ war on terror.

He said the two countries had decided to use the space available given the geostrategic complexities of the region for building a stand-alone relationship. “I think we have succeeded to a great extent. We will enhance this space,” observed Masood Khan.

On Pak-China relations, Masood Khan observed that the relationship has proved to be productive. “Our relationship with China is not at expense of our friendship with the United States,” he emphasized.

Terming the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project as “very significant”, the envoy said after completing early harvest projects under CPEC, the two countries realized that the mega project should also have an organic persona.

He said holistic program now included investments in tourism, technology, vocational training, agriculture and people to people exchanges. He said up to now we have already disbursed about $25 billion and by 2030, we would be able to complete the remaining projects.

Masood Khan said since it is the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative, we have reputational commitment to this project so that it succeeds under all circumstances.

Discussing China’s broader role and multilateralism, Masood Khan underscored the need that there should be a level playing field for all the countries so that they can grow together.

“They can avert wars and confrontation and opt for peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. He exuded optimism that the complementarities between the Western bloc and China would strengthen in the times to come which would benefit the developing world including Pakistan.

On Pakistan’s economic challenges, the envoy observed that the country rode through the storm of 2022 and now the economy was stable.

He noted increased focus on IT, agriculture, renewable energy and extractive industries and said that the country was undertaking massive reforms including streamlining the tax regime, making the energy sector more efficient and privatizing non-performing state-owned enterprises.

“Cumulatively, we have a bright outlook and a bright future economically,” he said. On Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to China, the envoy said the agenda would include strengthening defense ties, deepening economic cooperation and investing in the cultural exchanges.