ISLAMABAD  - New US ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olsen says Pakistan is playing important role in the region and he is looking forward to strengthen ties between the two countries.Ambassador Olsen's message to the people of Pakistan was posted by the US Embassy in Islamabad on the social media that reads: "I am honoured to be the new US ambassador to Pakistan. I am honoured to serve in Pakistan because I understand and respect its important role in the region and the world," he stated in the message.He said like friends everywhere, we may not always agree and we may face challenges, but fundamentally we share many common interests and values," he remarked.He said he would look forward to hearing about Pakistani people's views and wanted to see as much of the great and hospitable country of Pakistan as he could. "I look forward to meeting and working together with Pakistan to broaden and deepen the ties between our two nations," Olsen said who is likely to arrive in Pakistan in the next week to take-up his new duties.In his 30-year career as diplomat, Olsen had worked as the US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and as Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan. He was appointed to the job after the former ambassador, Cameron Munter, decided to step down in May this year.