The US government has announced that it will offer Pakistan an additional $10 million for its food security program,JEE News reported on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met his US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken at the State Department building in Washington. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
After the meeting, Bilawal held a joint press conference with Blanken and said that diplomacy between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has returned.
“It is indeed true that diplomacy is back between the US State Department and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he asserted.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan wants help and cooperation from America on climate justice. He said that the time of green revolution has come, he hoped that US President Joe Biden will lead it.
“Pakistan has experienced a climate disaster of biblical apocalyptic proportions,” he said.
“It rained in Pakistan from mid-June to the end of August. Eventually, the rain stopped and a 100-kilometer-long lake formed in the middle of my country.”
He said that as a result of heavy rains, one third of Pakistan is under water. He noted that more than 33 million people, more than the population of Australia, were affected by the floods. He said that 16 million of these flood victims are children.
He said that 1,600 people have already died in Pakistan, one-third of whom are children.
He said it is ironic that Pakistan, which contributes 0.8 percent of global carbon emissions, is one of the ten most climate-stressed countries on the planet. The foreign minister said his country looks to the United States for help and support to help its people achieve climate justice.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan @BBhuttoZardari addressing a reception to mark 75th Anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and the U.S https://t.co/BiNvvMCgbR
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) September 26, 2022
“I believe we can build better. We will create a climate-safe Pakistan. We will create a greener Pakistan. We will create green opportunities and green jobs – opportunities not only for us and our private sector. for but also for those around the world willing to invest in Pakistan.
Pakistan-US relations are not only resilient, but both NATO have stood the test of time.” He said, “We have proven throughout history that when we work together, we achieve great things”.
Appreciating the Pakistani American community, Bilawal said that they are patriotic Pakistanis and patriotic Americans and they contribute to America and are willing to contribute to Pakistan.
During the press conference, Bilawal also invited Blanken to visit Pakistan.
The US Secretary of State said that this is a very difficult time for Pakistan. He warned that if the situation is not handled immediately, the floods will have long-term effects.
Honored to join @SecBlinken and FM @BBhuttoZardari to mobilize private sector and diaspora support in light of the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan.
— Special Representative Dilawar Syed (@BizAtState) September 26, 2022
Today’s gathering is esp. poignant as this year we mark 75 yrs of 🇺🇸🇵🇰 partnership and cooperation. pic.twitter.com/of6oA1Notx
He said that America stands with the people of Pakistan in this difficult time and added that 17 planes have already left the country to help the flood victims. He said that Pakistan will also receive an additional 10 million dollars for its food security program.
The US foreign minister said that Pakistan-US economic relations can be further strengthened.
Joined @SecBlinken and @BBhuttoZardari to discuss the importance of the #USPAK relationship. We announced more assistance — $10 M for food security — to support the people of Pakistan, which adds to the more than $56.5 million humanitarian assistance already provided.
— Derek Chollet (@CounselorDOS) September 26, 2022
Earlier, during the meeting with Bilawal, Blanken expressed his sorrow over the flood disaster in Pakistan and assured the minister of all possible support from the United States.
The foreign minister thanked the US government for helping the flood victims.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to America Masood Khan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, Bilawal met a delegation of (MSF) “Doctors Without Borders” (Medicines San Frontier) led by its Director General Vicky Hawken in Washington.
The Federal Minister appreciated the role of Doctors Without Borders in providing health facilities to the flood affected people of Pakistan.
He said that MSF is playing an active role in providing health facilities to flood victims.
Hawken expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan.
