US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Monday spoke to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Pakistan’s economy and issues related to Afghanistan.
Pakistan faces growing cross-border terrorism, with local authorities accusing Kabul of harboring terrorists – particularly the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the “productive partnership between the United States and Pakistan” in a phone conversation with FM Bilawal.
The Secretary noted that the people of Pakistan have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and reiterated the United States’ commitment to continue partnering with Pakistan on counterterrorism.
The Foreign Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the destabilizing effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine, as well as the shared interests of the US and Pakistan in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
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
The call came a few hours after US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Eric Corella discussed the regional security situation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir during a meeting in Rawalpindi.
The army’s media wing said in a statement that apart from the regional security situation, issues of mutual interest and defense cooperation were also discussed.
Both countries – Pakistan and the US – have urged war-torn Afghanistan to ensure that its territory is not used as a safe haven for terrorists.
The US reiterated last week that the Afghan Taliban must ensure their country is not used for terrorist attacks, while senior Pakistani military officials said the safe haven and freedom of action for terrorists from the outlawed TTP and other groups in Afghanistan was a major factor affecting Islamabad’s security.
Economy
During the meeting with FM Bilawal, Secretary Blinken emphasized America’s steadfast commitment to the people of Pakistan, underscoring that Pakistan’s economic success is America’s top priority.
The Secretary noted that the United States will continue to engage with Pakistan through technological and development initiatives and through our strong trade and investment ties.
He also welcomed the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) support program for Pakistan and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to Pakistan-US relations and that these values will continue to guide this partnership moving forward.
The lender approved a much-awaited $3 billion bailout for Pakistan earlier this month, a move that saved the nation from defaulting on its debts. Pakistan sought help from the US to convince the IMF to approve the loan.
Black Sea Grain Initiative
Also, the Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
Expressing Pakistan’s concerns over the expiry of the Black Sea Green Initiative (BSGI), the foreign minister said the resulting food inflation and food security challenges would adversely affect developing countries like Pakistan, which are already under economic pressure.
A deal allowing safe Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain expired last week after Russia withdrew, warning it could not guarantee the safety of ships.
According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, millions of people facing hunger will “pay the price” for Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Ukraine grain deal, and the move will “hit people in need everywhere”.
FM Bilawal also said in a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Koliba that restoring the grain initiative was “in the interest of the world”.
The foreign minister told Blinken during the call that he had also discussed the issue with his Ukrainian and Turkish counterparts.
He hoped that efforts to revive the initiative would be fruitful through dialogue and constructive engagement, taking into account the concerns of all parties.
The Foreign Minister requested the High Representative of the European Union to play his role in helping to find a solution that would enable the renewal of BSGI, and conveyed Pakistan’s willingness to contribute to collective efforts in this regard.
