FM Dar, US Secretary Blinken discuss bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made a phone call to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and both discussed the enhancement of mutual trade and investment.

During their first telephone conversation, both leaders talked about various important matters including boosting trade and investment relations.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

The spokesperson said that the conversation also covered a wide range of bilateral issues including climate change, agriculture, and security.

She said that discussions also touched upon regional matters of significance such as the situation in Gaza and developments in Afghanistan.

The spokesperson noted that both ministers expressed satisfaction with the current positive momentum in bilateral relations.

It is noteworthy that last month, US President Joe Biden wrote a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing good wishes for the newly elected government.

President Biden wrote that the partnership between the people of both countries is extremely important in ensuring the security of the world and our people, and the US will stand with Pakistan in facing the most pressing challenges of our time and region.

The letter stated that protecting public health, economic development, and education for all is a shared vision that will continue to be promoted together.

The US and Pakistan will further strengthen their alliance for environmental improvement through the Green Alliance Framework.

President Biden mentioned in the letter that the US will continue to support Pakistan in sustainable agricultural development, water management, and recovery from the devastating effects of the 2022 floods, and is committed to working with Pakistan to protect human rights and promote development.

The US President said in the letter that they will strengthen the robust partnership established between the two nations and will further solidify the close ties between the people of both countries.

In response to President Joe Biden’s letter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is keen to work with the US for global peace, regional development, and prosperity.

He stated that Pakistan-US relations are of key importance and that both countries are working together on important initiatives in various sectors.

He welcomed the cooperation between Pakistan and the US in the energy sector and Green Alliance initiatives and expressed a desire to work with the US for global peace, regional development, and prosperity.