Incoming US Chargé d'Affaires calls on Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: The incoming United States Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Ambassador Paul Jones on Thursday called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations, both discussed matters of mutual interest including regional security with particular reference to Afghanistan. The visiting dignitary also acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region.

Ambassador Paul Jones began his assignment as Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy earlier this week.

He will lead the US Mission in Pakistan in its ongoing efforts to deepen connections between the Pakistani and American people and work with the new government towards a more stable, secure and prosperous future for Pakistan.

Jones brings a wealth of experience and diplomatic expertise to this shared effort and to the US Mission in Pakistan.

Ambassador Jones on his arrival in Pakistan said, “I’m thrilled to be back in Pakistan. I look forward to reacquainting myself with the country’s warm and welcoming people, beautiful landscapes and delicious food.”

Jones is a career member of the State Department’s Senior Foreign Service. He served as Polish ambassador from 2015 to 2018.

Previously, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European & Eurasian Affairs, Ambassador to Malaysia and Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan & Pakistan while concurrently deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asian Affairs.

He has served as deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Manila, the US Mission to the Organisation for Security & Cooperation in Europe and at the US Embassy in Skopje, Macedonia.

Ambassador Jones’s awards include the Presidential Meritorious Service Award, the Robert C Frasure Memorial Award for peace building and several Superior Honour Awards.