ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington, Masood Khan, called on President Joe Biden at the Oval Office, the White House said Saturday.
In a tweet following the meeting, the ambassador said it was an “honour […] to meet US President Joe Biden”.
“Pakistan and the US resolve to strengthen their ties, as they celebrate the 75th Anniversary of their diplomatic relations,” the tweet read.
It was an honour to meet and greet President Joe Biden @POTUS at the Oval Office, White House.
Pakistan and the US resolve to strengthen their ties, as they celebrate the 75th Anniversary of their diplomatic relations.#PakUSAt75 pic.twitter.com/ydCu14Dxy4
— Masood Khan (@Masood__Khan) July 9, 2022
The Biden administration accepted the appointment of Khan as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States on February 6.
Khan has previously served as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) and its ambassador to China. He replaced his predecessor in Washington, Asad Majeed Khan.
Pakistan-US relations have remained strained since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August last year. The latest engagement comes after a year-long turbulent phase in the bilateral relationship.
Former prime minister Imran Khan’s anti-US outlook and criticism of Washington’s regional policies appeared to have angered the United States. His criticism of US President Biden’s decision to freeze $7 billion in Afghanistan funds held in the US and apparent refusal to offer military bases for counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan, among other developments, virtually brought the relationship to a standstill.
The relationship turned sour after Khan’s government refused to condemn Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. It broke down further when Khan decided to visit Russia on the eve of Moscow’s launch of what it called a “special military operation”.
