Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has assumed charge as Pakistan’s envoy to the United States, with aim of strengthening Pakistan-US relations and serving the Pakistani community there. His appointment was confirmed by the Foreign Office (FO) earlier in June.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also confirmed appointment of Asim Iftikhar as the Pakistan’s additional permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, as per the notification. Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh’s predecessor, Ambassador Masood Khan, had already been granted a three-month extension following the expiry of his contract in March. Officials of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington and the US State Department welcomed the new envoy at the airport, as he reached the American capital.
Interacting with the officers, Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh declared the Pakistani community as a valuable asset, as they had played a key role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the US. He told the officers to ensure better service delivery to the overseas Pakistanis. He also underscored the significance of result-oriented diplomacy by stressing the need to pursue it.
As per record, Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh has more than 20 years of experience in international diplomacy. He has previously served as the additional foreign secretary for the Middle East. Also, he has played a key role in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), overseeing its cell at the Foreign Office to attract investment from the Gulf states.
It is worth mentioning here that as per reports, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry and former ambassador to the United States, United Nations and United Kingdom Dr. Maleeha Lodhi were also considered for the key appointment. However, the career diplomat, who is deemed as a specialist in Gulf relations, took charge at a time when the Middle East is embroiled in multiple crises.
On one side, there is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which is a testament to the growing ties between these states, and on the other, there is Pakistan’s desire to maintain strong relations with its traditional allies in the Middle Eastern region. Similarly, Pakistan has been eyeing better ties with the US lately.
Considering its historical strategic relationship with the US, Pakistan wants to maintain good relations with the US without compromising its ties with China. It is pertinent to mention here that China too is actively involved in the matters of the Middle East. China’s diplomatic efforts in the region have yielded results, and have solidified its status as an emerging power.
What differentiates China’s involvement in the region from the US’ is the former’s emphasis on peaceful diplomacy and economic cooperation compared to the latter’s focus on utilizing military might to achieve gains. China has not been a party to any conflict in the Middle East, rather it has used its diplomatic leverage to bring together Iran and Saudi Arabia after the suspension of their bilateral ties for years, thus underscoring its position as an effective mediator.