Islamabad, Sep 10: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, today decorated Congressman Alexander N. Green with the prestigious Sitara-i-Khidmat for his outstanding contribution in strengthening Pakistan-US relations; his support for promotion of positive image of Pakistan in the U.S. Congress and his role in combating Islamophobia.
The special investiture ceremony held at the Embassy of Pakistan Washington D.C. today was attended among others by Congressman Randy Weber, Representative Henry Ceullar, former Congressman Nick Lampson, Texas State Representative Rep. Suleman Lalani, diplomats and prominent members of the Pakistani American community from Texas and DMV area.
“Today we have gathered here to recognize an extraordinary individual whose contributions have significantly strengthened the friendship between Pakistan and United States,” said Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh in his welcome remarks.
“Your tireless efforts, geared to promoting positive image of Pakistan across various forums, have certainly played a pivotal role in deepening diplomatic and economic ties between our two nations,” said the Ambassador.
Recalling the visit of Congressman Al Green to Pakistan during devastating floods of 2022, the Ambassador observed that Representative Al Green not only travelled to Pakistan to express his solidarity with the people of Pakistan at a most difficult time, but he also returned to the US Congress to passionately advocate for timely assistance.
“Your call to the wealthier nations at that point in time to step in and step up, given Pakistan’s minimal contribution to the global emissions, demonstrated your genuine concern for justice and equity at the global level,” observed the Ambassador.
Expressing his gratitude to the Government and the people of Pakistan for the honor, Congressman Al Green said that he considered that as a “continuation of the extension of the hand of friendship” between the two great nations.
“I went to Pakistan because there was a need in Pakistan. I went because the people of Pakistan, whom I consider a part of my family, were suffering,” said Rep. Al Green.
Recalling his fond memories of Pakistani society, Congressman Al Green said that we must not allow any wedge to come between the people of Pakistan and the people of the United States of America. “No wedge between us. We cannot allow it.
We have too much in common and our needs for each other are too great,” observed the Congressman.
“It is my desire that we will continue to build our people-to-people relationships to have a lasting relationship that can make a difference for the countries that I represent and that I am eager to see again when I return to Pakistan,” observed Rep. Al Green while referring to decades long mutual cooperation between the two nations.
Besides highlighting and appreciating humanitarian causes, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also lauded Congressman Green’s invaluable contributions towards combating terrorism in the region and his support for significant legislative initiatives like the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009.
Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh said that Pakistan and the United States shared long standing relationship built on shared values, mutual respect and common ideals.
He said that the two nations, for more than seven decades, have collaborated on multiple fronts, promoting peace, advancing economic development, and addressing global challenges such as terrorism and climate change.
“The strength of our partnership lies in strong people to people connections and Congressman Al Green has played a critical role in nurturing this important bond,” said the Ambassador.
