Chargé d’affaires Baker highlights shared democratic values and strategic collaboration
The acting US ambassador to Pakistan, Natalie Baker. Photo: (file)
ISLAMABAD:
The United States has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Pakistan, describing the country as a vital partner for decades to come, in a statement marking the approach of the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026.
In the statement, Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, framed the milestone not simply as a celebration, but as an opportunity to renew national strength, democratic institutions, economic resilience, and principled leadership.
“America at 250 is about restoring national strength, strengthening democratic institutions, fostering economic growth, and reaffirming principled leadership based on realism and reciprocity,” Baker said, emphasizing that strong nations form strong partnerships.
He highlighted the resilience of democratic systems and noted that the United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, established checks and balances to protect liberty and prevent the concentration of power. Drawing parallels with Pakistan, he said the country’s own journey, marked by reform and upholding national priorities, resonates with these ideals.
“Just as the United States safeguards its institutions by respecting the sovereignty of others, we seek collaboration with Pakistan based on mutual respect and shared interests,” he said.
Baker also underscored the economic dimension of the US-Pakistan partnership, noting that the US economy is driven by innovation, enterprise and the rule of law. He pointed to the Freedom 250 agenda, which links America’s founding principles to a forward-thinking foreign policy focused on prosperity, innovation and lasting partnerships.
He highlighted intensified economic engagement since January 2025, citing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s visit to the White House and deals between US and Pakistani companies on critical minerals, mining and infrastructure.
These initiatives, supported by American financial tools, Baker said, demonstrate how strategic investment can create jobs, improve resilience and strengthen the prosperity of both nations.
Security cooperation, he said, is essential to sustain prosperity. He highlighted the shared commitment of the United States and Pakistan to combating terrorism and extremism while respecting sovereignty. He said that collaboration in counterterrorism and intelligence strengthens citizen security and builds trust between the two countries.
Baker recognized the contributions of overseas Pakistanis to medicine, science, business and civic life in the United States, while reiterating the importance of legal immigration. He said visas remain a privilege, not a right, but emphasized that Pakistani nationals and the diaspora strengthen American communities and promote mutual understanding.
Concluding his message, Baker expressed optimism about the future of relations between the United States and Pakistan. He said recent high-level commitments and agreements demonstrate the benefits of mutual respect, tangible results and aligned economic and security interests.
“Pakistan’s resilience, innovation and strategic importance offer the opportunity to create a lasting legacy of collaboration,” Baker said, adding that the United States reaffirms its commitment to a strong, respectful and forward-thinking relationship, a relationship that will continue to provide security, prosperity and leadership for the next 250 years.
