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Preston University hosts Farewell Luncheon in honor of US Ambassador H.E. Richard Olson
In his keynote address U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson reaffirms American commitment to higher education in Pakistan. Emphasizes, education is the foundation of economic development, political stability and personal self-fulfillment.
The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson highlighted the importance of U.S.-Pakistan collaboration in higher education during a farewell ceremony held in his honor at Preston University in Islamabad, jointly hosted by Preston University and the Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan. Senior-level Pakistani government officials, including Chairman, National Commission for Human Rights, Ali Nawaz Chohan, representatives from civil society, foreign diplomats, and students and faculty from the university attended the event, showcasing the history of cooperation in education.
“Education is the foundation of economic development, political stability, and personal self-fulfillment, and so it is naturally a main pillar of the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relationship,” Ambassador Olson said as he reflected on his interactions with young people during his three-year tenure in Pakistan. He highlighted the long-standing educational partnership between the United States and Pakistan, which has resulted in one of the world’s most vibrant academic and professional exchange programs.
Ambassador Olson informed the distinguished audience that each year, more than 1,300 Pakistanis travel to the United States for academic and professional exchange programs. In addition to Master’s and PhD programs, other U.S. government academic exchanges support study at high schools, universities, and community colleges in the United States. In June of this year, the United States and Pakistan launched the Education, Science, and Technology Working Group, the newest of six working groups under the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.
Earlier, in his welcome address on the occasion Mr. Abdul Hamid, Pro Chancellor Preston University extended a warm welcome to Chief Guest Ambassador Richard G. Olson and the other dignitaries and distinguished guests to the Farewell Luncheon, organized by Preston University and the Archaeological and historical Association of Pakistan in honor of Ambassador Olson. In his address, Mr. Abdul Hamid said, in a capital like Islamabad, it is not uncommon to witness receptions and dinners hosted in honor of diplomats departing after completing a diplomatic assignment in the country. However, a few of these events are rather memorable and touching. And, today’s Farewell Luncheon in honor of Ambassador Olson is one such memorable occasion. He said, looking back at the tenure of Excellency Richard Olson as US Ambassador to Pakistan, one gets the unmistakable feeling of deep satisfaction … A satisfaction of having made a good friend, A satisfaction of knowing a diplomat par excellence, A satisfaction of having achieved a better understanding between the two countries. And above all a satisfaction of looking forward to a future of further improved relations between the two countries. Pro-chancellor Preston University, Mr. Abdul Hamid also briefly spoke about Preston University and highlighted some of its significant achievements since its establishment three decades ago.
Jurist of international renown and Chairman, National Commission for Human Rights, Justice (retd) Ali Nawaz Chohan and Dr. Ghazanfar Mehdi, Chairman Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan also addressed the distinguished guests present at the Farewell Luncheon.
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