Washington DC, 21 December 2022 (GNP/ TDI): Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, spoke with the United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, on December 19 to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Office released a statement about the engagement. According to this, both sides comprehensively covered bilateral relations and regional issues of interest, including the situation in Afghanistan.
It is pertinent to note that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto was on an official visit to the USA from 14-21 December 2022.
While there, he engaged in different multilateral forums, including UNSC and chairing the meeting of G77 + China, and engaged in different bilateral meetings with US government officials.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of the bilateral relations and reaffirmed their mutual desire to pursue a broad-based agenda, the statement added.
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Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari shared their mutual hope for a productive International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in January and discussed the need for close coordination.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto’s remarks
In a cordial conversation, Foreign Minister conveyed the gratitude of the government of Pakistan to the US government for providing humanitarian assistance of $97 million after the floods in Pakistan.
Moreover, he notified Secretary Blinken about Pakistan’s efforts for rehabilitation and resilient reconstruction and briefed him on the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan being held on 9 January 2023 in Geneva.
The conference was held to support Pakistan’s efforts for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Foreign Minister on Twitter wrote Pakistan and the US would continue cooperation for building resilient infrastructure in Pakistan.
Both countries should also work closely to further enhance and diversify bilateral relations and to work together for regional peace and stability, he added.
Secretary Antony Blinken’s remarks
US Secretary of State expressed his continued support for the people of Pakistan as they recovered from the recent flood calamities, the US Department of State released a statement.
Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the US Administration’s continued support in facing the challenge of reconstruction and rehabilitation in Pakistan, it added.
Furthermore, Secretary Bkinken offered condolence for the loss in recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and underscored the United States’ resolute support for Pakistan as it combatted terrorism.