SBP launches commemorative coin marking 75 years of Pak-US relations

US envoy says coin represents shared values, ideals, and common ties between both countries

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State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad (left), US Ambassador Donald Blome and Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi hold the commemorative coin at the its launch ceremony on August 24, 2023. — State Bank of Pakistan
State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad (left), US Ambassador Donald Blome and Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi hold the commemorative coin at the its launch ceremony on August 24, 2023. — State Bank of Pakistan

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a commemorative coin marking the 75th anniversary of Pak-US diplomatic relations with American Ambassador, Donald Blome, in attendance as the launch ceremony's chief guest.

The central bank, in a statement released following the ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday, said the coin signifies the historic Pak-US relationship embedded in democratic values, mutual cooperation and common interests.

The SBP, took to X, formerly Twitter, to highlight the proceedings of the event.

"SBP has issued a commemorative coin of Rs75 in a launch ceremony today to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the USA," it said.

During the ceremony attended by Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi and SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, the US envoy said the coin represents shared values, ideals, and common ties between the two countries as well as their commitment to a brighter future.

The American envoy also thanked the SBP for the meaningful gesture of issuing the commemorative coin.

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

Qazi praised the coin and said that the national symbols of Pakistan and the USA highlight the democratic roots of both countries. He also paid tribute to the mutually beneficial relationship between the countries.

Description and images of the coin. — SBP
Description and images of the coin. — SBP

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

In his address at the ceremony, the SBP governor said the issuance of the commemorative coin is a manifestation of the importance both countries attach to their relationship.

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.

Ahmad hoped that given the promising future of the 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.

The coin shall be issued through the exchange counters of SBP Banking Services Corporation from August 25, 2023. It is designed in a round shape milled with serrations on the edge, diameter of 30.00 mm, a weight of 13.5 grams and has Cupro-Nickel metal contents.