FM Bilawal, Blinken discuss economic recovery, regional concerns

Washington provided assurances to support reforms for Pakistan's economic recovery and collaborate on "anti-terrorism efforts" on Tuesday as Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a telephonic meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken. The two leaders discussed various issues and agreed to strengthen ties and continue to work together to promote peace and development, the foreign office confirmed. In a tweet last night, Blinken had said that the US "supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan" adding that he had exchanged thoughts with Bilawal on supporting the country's "economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan". The United States supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan. Had a good call with @BBhuttoZardari to discuss our support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and our shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 24, 2023 Reiterating the superpower's commitment to the people of Pakistan, Blinken said that "Pakistan's economic development is one of United State's top priorities", the foreign office said. Read US again rejects PTI chief's cypher narrative According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "peace, security and development" remained at the top of the list of Bilawal and Blinken's priorities. FM @BBhuttoZardari had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken. They noted the positive momentum in Pakistan 🇵🇰 -U.S. 🇺🇸 relations and agreed to remain constructively engaged to promote peace, security and development. pic.twitter.com/lhZh2fBqxd — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) July 25, 2023 Blinken was also committed to remaining in constant contact with Islamabad for collaborating on technical and development initiatives and working towards the promotion of strong trade and investment relations. Welcoming the recent breakthrough in the IMF-Pakistan agreement, the US official said that his country will provide support in reforms for the economic recovery of Pakistan. In the same breath, he stressed that the promotion of democratic principles and the rule of law remain of central importance in Pakistan-US relations. Acknowledging the plight of Pakistanis who have been badly affected by terrorism, Blinken said that the US "will continue to strengthen our partnership with Pakistan for counter-terrorism". The Foreign Office spokesperson has also confirmed that during the telephone conversation between the two leaders, the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Afghanistan were discussed as well. Read more Pakistan launches charm diplomacy after skipping US summit Notably, during the Ukrainian foreign minister's maiden visit to Pakistan last week, the Foreign Office had stressed that it will not abandon its policy of “neutrality” on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite following a neutral public stance, there have been reports that Pakistan might be supplying arms to Ukraine. Bilawal, however, has strongly rebutted such reports insisting that Pakistan was strictly adhering to the policy of non-partisanship. On the other hand, Pakistan has conveyed its strong reservations to the US for its deepening defence cooperation with India, viewing the development as a direct threat to the country’s security interests. These developments define a crucial context for rapidly shifting Pak-US relations. It may also be mentioned here that yesterday top US military commander held talks with Army chief General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on the regional security situation and defence cooperation, said an official handout. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), regional security situation and defence cooperation were discussed during a meeting between US Central Command (Centcom) General Michael Erik Kurilla and the army chief. “Both leaders were said to have reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all fields,” it added. The ISPR also said that the “visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s successes in fight against terrorism and Pakistan’s continued efforts for bringing peace and stability to the region”.