Blinken reaffirms a productive US-Pakistan Partnership
ISLAMABAD: Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari about Pakistan’s economy and Afghanistan-related issues.
In a phone conversation with FM Bilawal, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed a “productive US-Pakistan partnership.” He also emphasized the United States’ commitment to stand with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Local authorities have accused Kabul of harboring terrorists, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The TTP is involved in the rising cross-border terrorism in Pakistan.
Blinken and Bilawal Bhutto hold telephonic conversation to discuss bilateral issues.
He acknowledged the immense suffering of the Pakistani people due to terrorist attacks. Blinken expressed the United States’ dedication to continuing their joint efforts on counterterrorism.
During the call, the two leaders also discussed the destabilizing effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The call took place shortly after General Michael Erik Kurilla, the chief of US CENTCOM, met with Army Chief General Asim Munir in Rawalpindi. Both discussed the regional security situation, mutual interests, and defense cooperation.
Both the United States and Pakistan urged Afghanistan not to allow its soil to be used as a safe haven for terrorists.
The US emphasized that the Afghan Taliban must ensure that their country does not become a base for terror attacks.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s top military officials stated that the presence of TTP and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan negatively impacts Islamabad’s security.
Regarding Pakistan’s economy, Secretary Blinken assured FM Bilawal of the United States’ unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan.
The US would continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives, as well as through robust trade and investment ties.
Secretary Blinken welcomed the IMF’s approval of a program to support Pakistan. He said it would encourage ongoing reforms to stimulate economic recovery and prosperity.
He stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are fundamental to the US-Pakistan relationship and would continue to guide their partnership moving forward.
Pakistan had sought the United States’ assistance in persuading the IMF to approve a $3 billion bailout, which successfully saved the nation from defaulting on its debt repayments.
On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari about Pakistan’s economy and Afghanistan-related issues. Local authorities have accused Kabul of harboring terrorists, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), contributing to rising cross-border terrorism in Pakistan.
In a phone conversation with FM Bilawal, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed a “productive US-Pakistan partnership,” emphasizing the United States’ commitment to stand with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
He acknowledged the immense suffering of the Pakistani people due to terrorist attacks and expressed the United States’ dedication to continuing their joint efforts on counterterrorism.
During the call, the two leaders also discussed the destabilizing effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine and their shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
The call took place shortly after General Michael Erik Kurilla, the chief of US Central Command (Centcom), met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in Rawalpindi to discuss the regional security situation, mutual interests, and defense cooperation.
Both the United States and Pakistan urged Afghanistan not to allow its soil to be used as a safe haven for terrorists. The US emphasized that the Afghan Taliban must ensure that their country does not become a base for terror attacks, while Pakistan’s top military officials stated that the presence of TTP and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan negatively impacts Islamabad’s security.
Regarding Pakistan’s economy, Secretary Blinken assured FM Bilawal of the United States’ unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan, with a focus on promoting economic success. The US would continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives, as well as through robust trade and investment ties. Secretary Blinken welcomed the IMF’s approval of a program to support Pakistan and encouraged ongoing reforms to stimulate economic recovery and prosperity.
He stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are fundamental to the US-Pakistan relationship and would continue to guide their partnership moving forward. Pakistan had sought the United States’ assistance in persuading the IMF to approve a $3 billion bailout, which successfully saved the nation from defaulting on its debt repayments.
