The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued a commemorative coin of 75 rupees during a ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the USA.

Foreign Secretary for Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi graced the occasion as Chief Guest while US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome dignified the ceremony as Guest of Honour.

In his welcome address, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad thanked both the Foreign Secretary and the US Ambassador to Pakistan for their participation in the event.

He said that the issuance of the commemorative coin is a manifestation of the importance both the countries attach to their relationship, and the design of the coin signifies how independent nations join hands to work together for the progress of their people.

He highlighted the important economic ties between the two nations, encompassing trade, Foreign Direct Investments, finance and remittances, and lauded the deep people-to-people connection between the countries in various walks of life, particularly in the field of education.

He hoped that given the promising future of fintech sector in Pakistan and SBP’s multiple initiatives for supporting the same, US fintech firms would explore and invest in the opportunities provided by these emerging businesses.

Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi praised the beautiful commemorative coin, remarking that the national symbols of Pakistan and the United States of America on the coin highlight the democratic roots of both countries.

The Foreign Secretary paid tribute to the mutually beneficent relationship between the countries, acknowledging the efforts of Ambassador Blome in injecting a new vigor into this relationship.

Delineating the multidimensional relationship between the two countries, encompassing trade & investment, defense, counter-terrorism, education, energy, climate and health, he said that the high-level bilateral visits between the two countries have helped to further cement the relationship.

Reiterating the importance of the Pak-US relationship for Pakistan, the US and the region, the Foreign Secretary said that the coin would continue to stand as an enduring symbol of our commitment to this long-standing association.

He thanked the Governor SBP for holding a historic ceremony to commemorate the importance of the Pak-US relationship.

US Ambassador Donald Blome addressed the ceremony and said the coin represents the shared values, ideals and common ties between the two countries, as well as their commitment to a brighter future.

He thanked the State Bank of Pakistan for the meaningful gesture of issuance of the commemorative coin, and expressed his hope of working closely with the Government of Pakistan.

He was confident that new initiatives such as the US-Pakistan Green Alliance would help both countries to jointly address their shared challenges.

The coin shall be issued through the exchange counters of SBP Banking Services Corporation from August 25, 2023.

The coin is in round shape milled with serrations on the edge, diameter of 30.00 mm, weight 13.5 grams and has Cupro-Nickel metal contents.