Washington DC, 27 September 2022 (TDI): Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan met with Antony Blinken, the United States (US) Secretary of State.
The Foreign Minister told Secretary Blinken about the destruction brought on by the catastrophic floods, which resulted in the displacement of more than 33 million people as well as a significant loss of life and livelihoods.
He underscored Pakistan’s government and people’s relief efforts and expressed gratitude to the US government for its support. According to the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, no nation could handle a situation of this magnitude by itself.
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He noted that despite being one of the countries with the lowest emissions, Pakistan has one of the worst impacts from climate change.
In this vein, he pointed out that Pakistan is seeking climate justice and is looking to its allies for help in recovering from this disaster brought on by the climate.
Furthermore, during the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that Pakistan is dedicated to restoring better, more environmentally friendly, & climate-resistant infrastructure in sectors including irrigation, communication, electricity, agrotechnology, & health.
However, he highlighted that to effectively assist developing nations in addressing climate catastrophe, immediate action is needed.
The alliance between Pakistan and the US has historically and increasingly been important in promoting regional stability, security, and economic progress, Bilawal Buto Zadari accentuated.
In addition, he stressed that both countries were appropriately commemorating the 75th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations and were charting a positive and mutually beneficial course for their future generations.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening and expanding its ties with the US, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
Moreover, he stressed that Pakistan would continue to collaborate with the global community to bring about peace, development, & stability in Afghanistan. Along these lines, he emphasized the need to help Afghanistan avert the humanitarian disaster.
While Secretary Blinken on his part expressed his deepest sympathies to Pakistan and pledged his support in the wake of the tragic deaths and enormous financial losses.
He reiterated the US commitment to working with Pakistan to tackle recovery & reconstruction. Secretary Blinken also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its assistance with the evacuation of Afghanistan.
In addition, he discussed that the US private sector would like to invest in Pakistan, notably in the country’s energy sector, given the country’s tremendous potential.
It is pertinent to note that Secretary Blinken announced an additional $10 million for the flood victims on the sidelines of a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between Pakistan & the US at the State Department.
