Washington DC, 18 October 2022 (TDI): The Counselor of the US Department of State, Derek Chollet met with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan.
Derek Chollet serves as a senior policy advisor to US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. The meeting took place between the two officials on the premises of the State Department.
Both diplomats discussed the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and US. They further agreed to grow and boost bilateral ties in areas including industry, agriculture, health, energy, education, and entrepreneurship.
During the meeting, both officials also discussed ways to boost strategic trust and build further capacity in areas of cooperation. The enhancement of cooperation in these areas will benefit both the states and their respective regions.
Remarks by Spokesperson State Department
After the meeting between Ambassador Masood Khan and Counselor Derek Chollet, the spokesperson of the State Department Vedant Patel said, “The United States is confident of Pakistan’s commitment and its ability to secure nuclear assets”.
This statement dismissed any speculations stirred by President Joe Biden’s remarks about Pakistan’s nuclear program.
The Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department Vedant Patel also stated that the “US has always viewed secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests”.
He further added that the two countries, “enjoy a strong partnership” and that “the United States valued its longstanding cooperation with Pakistan.” The recent high-level visits from both sides were also recalled.
Also read: US National Security Strategy 2022
This included Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to the US and Derek Chollet, and Administrator USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Samantha Power’s visit to Pakistan.
While concluding the press meeting Patel said, “This is a relationship we view as important and it’s something that we are deeply engaged in”.
This pointed out the fact that officials from Pakistan and the US meet regularly and engage on notes of cooperation.
