Bilawal, Blinken discuss regional security situation, bilateral economic ties

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have underlined the importance of constructive engagement for promoting peace, security and development in the region.

This came at a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current positive momentum in Pak-US ties.

They discussed the regional security situation, including the threat from terrorism, and reaffirmed their desire to continue close cooperation for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underscored that Pakistan valued its longstanding and broad-based relationship with the U.S. and wished to further deepen the partnership. He noted that during the past one year, apart from holding six dialogues, exchange of high-level visits had diversified and solidified the relationship.

The Foreign Minister underlined the priority attached to economic and trade relations and Pakistan’s particular interest in advancing cooperation on climate change and green energy. Thanking the U.S. for its support, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Standby Arrangement between Pakistan and the IMF would provide impetus to Pakistan’s economic and development imperatives and that Pakistan was committed to bringing structural reforms in its economy to make it more competitive and attractive for business and foreign investment.

The Foreign Minister noted the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative especially from the perspective of developing countries and concerns regarding food security and inflation, and stressed the need for continued concerted efforts with a view to reviving the deal at the earliest.

Secretary Blinken stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are central to the US-Pakistan relationship and these values will continue to guide this partnership forward.