New US envoy Richard Olson arrives in Pakistan

The new US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on Saturday promised to promote bilateral ties based on "mutual respect and common interests", soon after arriving to take charge.

"I am excited to begin my work in Pakistan. I look forward to presenting my credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari as soon as possible and to start working with Pakistanis from all sections of society to build a relationship based on mutual respect and common interests," Olson said in a statement soon after his arrival.

He added that there is tremendous potential in Pakistanand he wants to work with the people of this country "to increase economic opportunity, expand trade between our two countries, address the energy crisis, and improve the quality of education and health care for all".

Olson was sworn in as ambassador on September 24 by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The envoy was introduced to President Asif Ali Zardari by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier, when both met on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly session.

His previous assignment was as the Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. Olson also served as US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2011.