KARACHI: The Foreign Affair Liaison Office Karachi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) organised a reception in honour of Shahid Ahmed Khan, Advisor to the US President on Arts and to bid farewell to Dr June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi and Narut Soontarodom, Consul General of Thailand.
The founder and Secretary General of PCFR, Ahsan Mukhtar Zuberi and former Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib welcomed the guests at this event which was attended by a large number of diplomats, businessmen and people from different walks of life.
Shahid Ahmed Khan, Advisor to the US President on Arts elaborated on the multifaceted nature of US-Pakistan relations, emphasising several key points that underscore the depth and breadth of this strategic partnership.
A significant example is the recent injection of 110 million dollars into various projects. These investments span across educational initiatives and cultural heritage preservation.
Muhammad Irfan Soomro, Director General, Liaison Office Karachi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi, in collaboration with PCFR, has organised this event to recognise the remarkable contributions of these distinguished diplomats. “Their work has contributed in advancing our shared goals and strengthened the bonds of friendship between our countries”, he said.
He said Shahid Ahmed Khan has dedicated himself to strengthen the ties between two great nations – Pakistan and the United States of America – through the universal language of art, acting as a bridge builder between people of both sides.
He believed that the collaboration between the United State and Pakistan in the field of art holds immense potential. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr June, the outgoing CG of Indonesia and the esteemed Dean of the Consular Corps in Karachi. He said Dr June’s stewardship of the Consular Corps has not only strengthened diplomatic relations but has also built a strong community of diplomats in Karachi, leaving a lasting impression and a legacy that will endure.
He said Narut Soontarodom, the Consul General of Thailand tenure in Karachi was rather brief, but during this short stay, he worked tirelessly to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on trade, cultural exchange and fostering deeper mutual understanding between people of both countries.
Dr June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, in his speech thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PCFR for hosting this event in his honour.
He said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy very strong diplomatic, cultural and trade relations. There is huge potential to further increase trade between the two brotherly countries, he added.
Narut Soontarodom, Consul General of Thailand said the trade relations between Pakistan and Thailand are increasing and there is huge potential for further collaboration in various sectors.
He said his tenure as CG in Karachi is coming to an end and during his tenure of one year and two months, he had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people, especially in Karachi, the heart of Sindh.
He said there is growing interest in Thai culture and cuisine in Karachi. He was confident this trend will continue.
He said the spirit of goodwill and friendship is the true foundation of any strong relationship. “I am confident that ties between our two nations will continue to strengthen in years to come”, he added.
Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR), based in Karachi, is autonomous and non-profit think tank devoted to promote policy-oriented research and dialogue on issues related to international relations, economy, foreign policy, global politics, security, culture, and law.
