Georgia State Assembly today honored Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, with its Honorary Citizenship in a reflection of growing ties between Pakistan and US state of Georgia which is considered as 22nd largest economy of the world and is known for its 3rd largest concentration of Fortune 500 corporations. The visit of the Ambassador to Georgia State Assembly was organized by State Representative Farooq Mughal, who had successfully introduced a resolution in the Assembly March this year for establishment of State-Province relations between Georgia. Representatives from both sides of the aisle welcomed the Ambassador upon his arrival at the Georgia State Assembly. Speaking on the occasion Rep. Farooq Mughal highlighted growing trade ties between Pakistan and Georgia including an investment of more than $200 million in a range of economic activities. Senator James Beverly welcoming the Ambassador said that they were looking forward to forge a strong relationship with Pakistan not only for today but for the future. State Rep. Clay Pirkle in his remarks said that “Pakistan is exceedingly valuable partner.” He said that there was a huge scope to further strengthen bilateral ties in diverse fields especially agriculture sector. Masood Khan thanked Rep. Farooq Mughal and his colleagues for warm welcome at the State Assembly. He said that the presence and proactive role being played by Rep. Farooq Mughal and Rep Saira Draper, both Pak-origin legislatures, was a matter of a great pride for Pakistan and Pakistani diaspora in the United States and a source of strength for long-term and multifaceted ties with Georgia. “These are faces of Pakistan,” said the Ambassador. Masood Khan pointed out that manufacturing, automobiles and agriculture sector provided a solid base for forging robust trade ties and partnership between the two sides. “With our strong agricultural base and enhanced focus on research especially hybrid seeds, climate and weather resistance crops and others, our universities and research institute can collaborate to enhance productivity and ensure food security,” he said. Terming Sister-Province Relations between Georgia and Sindh a landmark development, the Ambassador underscored the need for taking full advantage of the available opportunities to achieve concrete outcomes. On the importance of bringing the two peoples closer to each other, the Ambassador stressed that the two sides must continue investing in people-centric diplomacy. Highlighting its benefits, the Ambassador said that such exchanges would help our people to have their own experiences and first-hand knowledge of culture, land and the people. Masood Khan said the Georgia was one of the preferred destinations in the United States for Pakistani students to equip themselves with tech knowledge and expertise. Reiterating his call for partnership among universities of the two sides, Ambassador Khan said that Pakistan was keen to imbibe rich ambiance of Georgia especially in the area of new technologies AI, robotics, Internet of things and other areas. On bilateral trade, Pak Ambassador noted recent increase especially in Pak export to Georgia and added that the existing volume was still far below the actual potential. Discussing textile and other exports, the Ambassador sought Georgia support in value addition of Pakistan’s products. *****
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