During a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reaffirmed that the US was committed to partnering with Pakistan on counterterrorism.
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s financial recovery, the IMF deal, Afghanistan, and Ukraine during their conversation.
Counterterrorism, Peace, Democracy
Blinken underscored the steadfast commitment of the US to the people of Pakistan. The two ministers talked to reaffirm a productive US-Pakistan partnership. “The Secretary noted the Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the US’ commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism,” a readout of the US spokesperson’s office said.
FM @BBhuttoZardari had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken. They noted the positive momentum in Pakistan 🇵🇰 -U.S. 🇺🇸 relations and agreed to remain constructively engaged to promote peace, security and development. pic.twitter.com/lhZh2fBqxd
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) July 25, 2023
The Secretary of State highlighted that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the US-Pakistan relationship, and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward.
Furthermore, both FMs underlined the importance of constructive engagement between Pakistan and the US for promoting the region’s peace, security and development.
Ukraine War, Black Sea Grain Deal
The two sides also discussed the destabilising effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine and highlighted their shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
Additionally, Bhutto-Zardari noted the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, especially from the perspective of developing countries and stressed the need to revive the deal at the earliest.
The Pakistani FM underscored that Islamabad valued its longstanding and broad-based relationship with the US and wished to deepen the partnership further.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current positive momentum in Pak-US ties,” a statement by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry mentioned.
IMF Deal, Economic Crisis
Blinken welcomed the IMF’s approval of a program to support Pakistan. He encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity and highlighted that the economic success of Pakistan remains a top priority for the US.
The United States supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan. Had a good call with @BBhuttoZardari to discuss our support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 24, 2023
Meanwhile, the Pakistani FM thanked the US for its support and said that the Standby Arrangement between Pakistan and the IMF would provide impetus to Pakistan’s economic and development imperatives.
Pakistan struck a last-minute $3 billion stand-by arrangement with the IMF on 30 June, thus getting access to much-needed financial support from the organisation as the country grapples with an acute economic crisis.
Additionally, Blinken stressed that the US will continue engaging with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and robust trade and investment ties.