Eurasia Press & News
Pakistan appointed a new ambassador to the United States on Friday, at a time of tense relations between the two countries over drone strikes in the country’s tribal belt.
Senior diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani — 58 and most recently foreign secretary — has been named to the role, according to a statement by Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs, filling a position that has been vacant for several months.
“He is a career diplomat and prior to his current appointment, he served as Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union,” the statement said.
His appointment comes with relations between the United States and Pakistan at a new low.
Jilani’s appointment comes after Sherry Rahman stepped down in May following Nawaz Sharif’s victory at the general election.
Ambassador Jilani will formally begin his new assignment in December.
