Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari engaged in a productive telephone call to discuss further deepening the longstanding and broad-based relationship between the two nations. The officials expressed contentment with the current positive momentum in Pak-U.S. ties and highlighted the diverse range of engagements that have taken place in the past year.
During the call, the Foreign Minister emphasized the value Pakistan places on its partnership with the United States and highlighted the significant progress achieved through six dialogues and exchange of high-level visits. He stressed the importance of economic and trade relations, expressing Pakistan’s keen interest in advancing cooperation on climate change and green energy.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister extended gratitude to the U.S. for its support and emphasized the importance of the Standby Arrangement between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in driving economic and development imperatives. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to implementing structural reforms to enhance its economic competitiveness and attractiveness for foreign investment.
Both Foreign Ministers acknowledged the crucial role of constructive engagement in promoting peace, security, and development in the region. They discussed the regional security situation, with a particular focus on countering the threat of terrorism. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation for achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the significance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, especially for developing countries, expressing concerns about food security and inflation. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to revive the deal at the earliest.
Secretary Blinken underscored that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the U.S.-Pakistan relationship and will continue to guide the partnership forward.
This phone call marked the fourth interaction between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Secretary Antony Blinken since the Foreign Minister assumed his responsibilities, indicating the importance both countries place on strengthening bilateral ties.
The discussion between the U.S. Secretary of State and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister holds promise for enhancing cooperation on various fronts and fostering peace and stability in the region.
