ISLAMABAD: The US underlined its sustained commitment to assisting Pakistan with its financial and regional security concerns on Friday, as the country’s top diplomat met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address a variety of bilateral issues.
US-Pakistan ties have experienced ups and downs in recent years, but both nations have expressed a desire to preserve a cooperation that addresses shared problems such as counterterrorism, economic growth, and regional peace.
The country’s largest opposition party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accused the administration in Washington of excessive interference in the country’s political affairs, accusing American authorities of bringing down its government in a no-trust vote in April 2022.
President Joe Biden’s administration has consistently refuted the allegations and pledged to work with Pakistan to combat cross-border assaults from Afghanistan. It is also said to have aided the South Asian state’s dealings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“US Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, including partnering with the Government of Pakistan on regional security, US support for continued economic reforms with and through the IMF, trade and investment, education, climate change, and private sector-led economic growth,” the acting spokesperson for the US Embassy said in a written statement. “Ambassador Blome expressed US support for Pakistan’s democracy and the key role of an independent press.”
“The Ambassador and Prime Minister also discussed how both countries can work together to accelerate projects addressing climate change under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance framework,” the statement said.
Last September, the US ambassador paid a visit to Gwadar to emphasize America’s commitment to the people of Balochistan and to highlight potential cooperative efforts to satisfy Pakistan’s climate, energy, and water requirements.
Maria Ghanchi