US reaffirms commitment to ties with Pakistan

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Friday with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reaffirming cooperation and partnership between the two countries.

“Secretary Blinken reaffirmed our commitment to a robust partnership between the United States and Pakistan that advances the prosperity of both nations,” the State Department’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of continued cooperation on counterterrorism, expanding our trade and investment partnership, and advancing women’s economic security and empowerment,” the statement said. The communication took place for the very first time between the two leaders since Dar was sworn in as foreign minister earlier last month.

Last week, US President Joe Biden had sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming support for Pakistan amid global and regional challenges. The president’s letter had identified key areas of mutual cooperation that included promoting public health, economic development and education for all. It was particular about enhancing environmental improvement through the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework and then committed to further strengthen partnership between the two countries.

APP adds: During the phone call, a wide range of bilateral issues, including enhancing trade and investment relations, climate change, agriculture and security, came under discussion.

Various matters of regional importance such as situation in Gaza, the Red Sea and developments in Afghanistan were also discussed. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current positive momentum in bilateral relations.