ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he has spoken with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and discussed recent devastating floods and terrorists’ attacks.
Also read: Militants take control of Bannu CTD police station, create hostage situation
This came during Bilawal’s visit to Washington on the second leg of his weeklong visit to the US. He arrived in New York on Dec 13 and reached Washington on Monday after attending a special UN session of G77 countries and holding bilateral meetings with the UN chief and other dignitaries.
Spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari to express our continued support for the people of Pakistan as they recover from devastating floods. I hope for a productive climate conference next month and give my condolences for the lives lost in recent terrorist attacks.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 20, 2022
Earlier, the US State Department offered unconditional support to Pakistan in its battle against the TTP and similar groups, saying that defeating terrorism was a shared goal of both countries.
US State Department said Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari shared their mutual hope for a productive International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in January and discussed the need for close coordination. The Secretary offered condolences for lives lost in recent terrorist attacks and underscored the United States’ resolute support for Pakistan as it combats terrorism.
Also read: US ready to assist Pakistan counter TTP threat ‘more broadly’: State Dept
It may be recalled that the US State Department a day earlier stated in press briefing that the United States has offered to assist Pakistan with the current unfolding situation (of siege of CTD Station in Bannu) or more broadly, adding that Government of Pakistan was a partner when it comes to these shared challenges, including the challenge of terrorist groups – terrorist groups inside of Afghanistan, terrorist groups along the Afghan-Pakistan border.
