ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs received a telephone call from Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State and discussed the cooperation for lasting peace in Afghanistan, the regional security situation, and bilateral economic and trade ties.
According to a statement released by the foreign office spokeswoman on Tuesday, both sides expressed satisfaction with the Pak-US relations improvement during the conversation. The foreign minister emphasized that Pakistan cherished the long-standing and comprehensive ties with the United States and intended to strengthen the alliance further. He pointed out that the exchange of high-level visits had expanded and strengthened the connection in addition to holding six dialogues over the previous year.
Bilawal Bhutto underlined the priority of trade and economic ties and Pakistan’s interest in advancing green energy and climate change cooperation.
Thanking the U.S. for its support, the Foreign Minister said that the Standby Arrangement between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan would impen Pakistan’s economic and development imperatives. Pakistan was committed to bringing structural reforms in its economy to make it more attractive and competitive for foreign investment and business.
The two foreign ministers emphasized the value of Pakistan and the United States working together constructively to advance regional peace, security, and development. They reaffirmed their willingness to continue working closely together for long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan as they also reviewed the security situation in the area, including the danger posed by terrorists.
The foreign minister emphasized the importance of ongoing coordinated efforts to revive the agreement as soon as possible after noting the significance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, particularly from developing countries’ perspectives and concerns over food security and inflation.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that the U.S.-Pakistan relationship is based on democratic ideals and respect for the rule of law and that these principles would continue to lead this partnership. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke on the phone for the fourth time since the Foreign Minister assumed his position. —APP
