Washington: A day after US President Joe Biden’s statement on the country’s nuclear weapons, the spokesperson of the State Department has said that Washington is confident of Pakistan’s commitment to protect its nuclear weapons.
“The United States is confident in Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its nuclear assets,” a State Department spokesperson told JEE News. He also said that President Biden believes that a secure, prosperous Pakistan is important to American interests.
The spokesperson also reiterated that the US values ​​its longstanding cooperation with Pakistan.
A day ago, after the US President’s remarks about Pakistan’s nuclear weapons during his speech at the reception of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, there was an uproar in Pakistan.
Biden had said that Pakistan “could be one of the most dangerous countries in the world” because the country had “uncoordinated nuclear weapons”.
“And what I think is probably one of the most dangerous nations in the world: Pakistan. Nuclear weapons without coordination,” Biden said in a transcript of the speech posted on the White House website.
Biden’s comments were made in reference to the changing global geopolitical situation, as he highlighted that the world is changing rapidly, and countries are rethinking their alliances.
“And the truth of the matter is — I truly believe it — that the world is watching us. No kidding. Even our enemies are watching us to know that we’re doing this. How do we understand, what do we do,” he added.
The statement was condemned by the government, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif calling the statement “factually false and misleading”.
Pakistan also issued a “strong” demarche to US Ambassador to Pakistan David Bloom.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that Acting Foreign Secretary Johar Saleem called the US ambassador to give the demarche, adding that the US ambassador was informed of Pakistan’s disappointment and concern over the unnecessary remarks.
The said remarks, a ministry statement said, were not based on ground reality or facts.
The Acting Secretary clarified that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and its irrevocable responsibility towards its nuclear program and adherence to international standards and international best practices have been well recognized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Is.
“It was important to maintain the positive tone of Pakistan-US relations and maintain close cooperation between the two sides for the establishment of regional and global peace,” the ministry added.
This development has come after Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly protested against Biden’s controversial remarks.
