WASHINGTON: United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed a “productive US-Pakistan partnership” and stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law were central to that relationship.
The top US diplomat had a phone call with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday and discussed the economic situation and reaffirmed counterterrorism support.
In a statement on the conversation, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the US top diplomat underscored Washington’s “steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, highlighting that the economic success of Pakistan remains a top priority for the United States.”
Apart from discussing the state of Pakistan’s economy, the two leaders also deliberated on Afghanistan-related issues.
“The Secretary noted that the United States will continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through our robust trade and investment ties,” the State Department said.
Blinked also welcomed the International Monetary Fund’s approval of a programme to support Pakistan and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity.
In this regard, Blinken stressed that “democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the US-Pakistan relationship and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward.”
Facing a growing number of cross-border attacks, Pakistan has been calling on the Taliban to rein in the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups operating from safe havens in Afghanistan.
“The Secretary noted the Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the United States’ commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism,” the statement said.
“The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the destabilizing effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine as well as the United States and Pakistan’s shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.”
