US and Pakistan discuss diplomatic relations

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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman meets SAPM Tariq Fatemi

Washington DC, 22 July 2022 (TDI): US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ambassador Tariq Fatemi.

According to the Office of the Spokesperson, the meeting took place at the State Department in Washington DC on Thursday.

In a tweet, SAPM Fatemi shared that the meeting between the officials was ‘productive’.

Deputy Secretary Sherman took to her Twitter and shared ‘We look forward to working together & celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.’

Agenda of the Meeting

During the meeting, the officials discussed ways to advance longstanding US-Pakistan relations, as they celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties.

Deputy Secretary reaffirmed shared goals of expanding relations between states through economic and commercial ties and health cooperation.

The officials discussed regional stability and the effects of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on food security in Pakistan.

Along with discussing Afghanistan, SAPM Fatemi also raised issues of human rights in IOJK and minorities in India.

Pak-US at 75

On the 14th of August, Pakistan will be celebrating 75 years of Independence from British Colonial rule. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the US.

This 23rd March, the US embassy in Islamabad, launched a joint campaign to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Chargé d’affaires Angela P. Aggeler noted: “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s birth as a nation and the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relationship.  The US and Pakistan have enjoyed a strong partnership since we recognized your independence, and we want to highlight the depth and breadth of that partnership throughout the year.”

The US and Pakistan cooperate on many shared priorities, including the environment, education, public health, trade, and cultural preservation.

With over 500,000 Pakistanis residing in the US and many studying there, the connection is based on strong people-to-people relationships.

Over 37,000 Pakistanis are alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, the largest such alumni group in the world.