Democracy, rule of law key to Pakistan-US ties: Blinken tells Bilawal

Islamabad:

The US said on Tuesday that “democratic principles and respect for the rule of law” are central to the Pakistan-US relationship and those values ​​will continue to guide this bilateral partnership moving forward.

Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken said after his phone call with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that Washington supported a productive, democratic and prosperous partnership with Pakistan.

“Had a good communication with @BBhuttoZardari to discuss our support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan,” Blinken tweeted.

“The United States supports a productive, democratic and prosperous partnership with Pakistan,” he added.

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A separate tweet by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had the same reading. They noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations and agreed to remain constructively engaged to promote peace, security and development.”

During the phone call, initiated by Blinken, both sides expressed satisfaction with the current positive momentum in bilateral relations, the Foreign Office spokesman said in a separately issued statement.

The foreign minister underlined the priority attached to economic and trade relations and Pakistan’s special interest in promoting cooperation on climate change and green energy, he said.

Thanking the US for its support, the foreign minister said that the standby agreement between Pakistan and the IMF [International Monetary Fund] it will give impetus to Pakistan’s economic and developmental imperatives,” he added.

The foreign minister told the US secretary of state that Pakistan is committed to bringing structural reforms in its economy to make it more competitive and attractive for business and foreign investment.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the top US diplomat stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law were central to that relationship.

Miller added that Secretary Blinken underscored Washington’s “unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan, stressing that Pakistan’s economic success remains a top priority” for the United States.

The State Department statement further said that Secretary Blinken noted that the United States will continue to work with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through their strong trade and investment ties.

Blinken also welcomed the approval of the IMF program to support Pakistan and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity, the statement added.

The minister noted that the Pakistani people have suffered greatly from terrorist attacks and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to continue working with Pakistan to fight terrorism.

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They 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.

The Foreign Ministry statement said Bilawal underlined that Pakistan values ​​its long-standing and broad relationship with the US and wishes to further deepen the cooperation.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the regional security situation, including the threat of terrorism, and reaffirmed their desire to continue close cooperation for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Bilawal highlighted the importance of the Black Sea Grains Initiative especially from the perspective of developing countries and concerns about food security and inflation. He stressed the need for continued concerted efforts to revive the agreement as soon as possible,” the Foreign Office statement added.

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