WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Anthony Blinken expressed sympathy for the flood victims. He assured the prime minister that the US will stand with Pakistan at this difficult time.
On the fringes of the UNGA in New York, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar met with Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland of the US Department of State.
The MOS thanked the US government for its 55 million dollar donation in aid of the flood victims and emphasised that the recent trips to Pakistan by US Congressional delegations and members of the administration were evidence of the US government’s concern for the flood victims and the people of Pakistan.
She informed the Under Secretary of Pakistan’s severe losses as a result of the destructive floods, which directly affected 33 million people.
The MOS emphasised that Pakistan was bearing the weight of the climate problem despite producing less than 1% of global emissions. She also underscored the government’s relief efforts and stressed that long-term contributions from the international community will be necessary for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The MOS emphasised that there was great potential for expanding and developing bilateral connections between Pakistan and the US, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and bolstering people-to-people interactions based on mutual respect and trust.
The MOS emphasised the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute for maintaining peace and stability in the region while drawing attention to India’s deteriorating human rights situation and, in particular, how it was affecting the plight of Kashmiris in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Under Secretary expressed sorrow at the loss of priceless lives brought on by the severe floods in Pakistan. She insisted that Pakistan will receive assistance from the United States for its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. She also reiterated that the US would expand its involvement with Pakistan in a number of areas, including commerce and investment, energy, health, and climate change.The MOS also discussed the regional situation and emphasized the need for peace, development, and stability in Afghanistan and beyond.
