US diplomat Richard Olson retires after 3 decades of service

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Special envoy of the United States for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Olson has retired after three decades on Wednesday. He has brought extraordinary experience and leadership to the job of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He has played an invaluable role in consolidating the progress Afghanistan has made over the past 15 years, including the pursuit of an Afghan led reconciliation process. His commitment to fostering a strong and productive relationship with Pakistan has been a testament to his unwavering diplomatic service. During his 34 year service, Richard Olson served as ambassador of Pakistan and United Arab Emirates, while he also served as Head of Development and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Kabul. Addressing special envoy’s retirement ceremony, US Secretary of State John Kerry described Olson as one of the most distinguished diplomats, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service who has been on the forefront of American work in the Middle East, Africa and in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "We need look no further than his broad range of assignments to understand Ambassador Olson's lasting impact on US diplomacy," he said.