FM Bilawal says Pakistan-US relations witnessing a new beginning

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Friday that the Pakistan-United States relationship was witnessing a new beginning, adding that he was in contact with his American counterpart.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the foreign minister said that the Pakistan-United States relations had a one-point agenda in the past. “As part of this one-point agenda, Pakistan used to face pressure from the US for doing more in war against terrorism,” he stated.

“We have reached here from a difficult period. There were many difficulties when I assumed the office. The efforts of last five to six months have yielded good results,” Bilawal said.

“We formulated the foreign policy after a detailed and careful analysis. The first meeting was held with the Chinese foreign minister. Resolving the issue of sending students to China was a success,” he added.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited China. It was a successful visit as 17 important agreements had been signed,” he maintained.

“After assuming the office, my contact with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took place on telephone. In the past, Pakistan faced problems due to a distance in its relations with the US. We practically improved our relations with the US,” he declared.

“The Pakistan-United States relations have reached the best level. Dilawar Saeed visited Pakistan which increased investment opportunities. The Chief of Army Staff and the finance minister also visited the United States,” he pointed out.

Bilawal also said that Pakistan had achieved success in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“The countries that opposed Pakistan in the FATF had asked to remove Pakistan from the grey list. Even Pakistan’s friendly countries are not yet there in the FATF where Pakistan has reached,” he pointed out.

“Not only Pakistan but also the European countries benefitted from GSP plus. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting was successful for Pakistan. In the UNGA meeting, almost every country spoke about the floods in Pakistan,” he added.

“In COP 27 too, Pakistan presented its case that it has suffered the most from the climate change. Pakistan chaired the G77 meeting and shared its experience with the world,” he informed the media.

“The young foreign ministers of the world gathered at the Pakistani embassy in the United States. This meeting of young foreign ministers was appreciated by the world,” he maintained.

“The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is gaining importance in the world. Pakistan achieved many achievements in the SCO meeting,” he added.

Bilawal also said that the foreign ministry had no role in the appointment of the army chief.