In a statement released Tuesday, the United States emphasized the importance of “democratic principles and respect for the rule of law” in the bilateral engagement between Pakistan and the United States.
After a phone chat with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the United States fully backed democratic and prosperous cooperation with Pakistan.
“Had a good call with @BBhuttoZardari to discuss our support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan,” Blinken tweeted.
‘The United States backs a constructive, democratic, and prosperous engagement with Pakistan,’ he continued.
The same meaning was conveyed in another tweet by Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for the Foreign Office. A statement from the White House said, “They noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations and agreed to remain constructively engaged to promote peace, security, and development.”
The Foreign Office spokesman added in a second statement that during the contact, which was initiated by Blinken, both parties expressed satisfaction with the present positive momentum in bilateral ties.
According to the statement, Pakistan is interested in furthering collaboration on climate change and green energy, and the foreign minister emphasized the importance Pakistan has on economic and trade connections.
Standby Arrangement between Pakistan and the IMF [International Monetary Fund] will offer momentum to Pakistan’s economic and development imperatives,” it added, quoting Pakistan’s foreign minister who thanked the United States for its support.
To make it more competitive and attractive for business and foreign investment, Pakistan is implementing structural changes, the foreign minister assured the US secretary of state.
The top US diplomat reportedly emphasized the importance of democracy and the rule of law in the partnership, according to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in Washington.
Secretary Blinken, according to Miller, reaffirmed the United States’ “steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, underlining that the “economic development of Pakistan is a key priority” for the United States.
According to the State Department’s summary, Secretary Blinken also indicated that the United States would maintain contact with Pakistan through commerce and investment as well as technical and development projects.
Blinken praised ongoing changes to foster economic recovery and prosperity, the statement said, and she welcomed the IMF’s adoption of a program to assist Pakistan.
Secretary Kerry acknowledged the terrible toll that terrorist attacks have had on the people of Pakistan and reaffirmed the United States dedication to working with Pakistan to combat terrorism.
The United States and Pakistan share an interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, and the two leaders talked about the destabilizing impact of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
According to the Foreign Office statement, Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its broad and historic relationship with the United States.
They also reviewed the security situation in the region, including the danger from terrorism, and reiterated their commitment to working closely together to bring about permanent peace and stability in Afghanistan.
From the vantage point of emerging countries and worries about food security and inflation, Bilawal emphasized the significance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. According to the Foreign Office’s statement, “he emphasized the need for continued concerted efforts with a view to reviving the deal at the earliest.”
