Washington DC, 21 December 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held an official meeting with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power.
Both officials reviewed the recent flood crisis and the damage it caused in Pakistan. They also discussed long-term cooperation for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas.
Notably, the meeting was attended by high officials from Pakistan and USAID. The Ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Masood Khan was also present.
Remarks by officials
The Administrator reinforced USAID’s commitment to providing life-saving assistance to flood-affected communities. In this vein, Samantha added, “Our latest donation brings the overall amount of US assistance to Pakistan this year to $97 million.”
Samantha shared how impactful it was to see firsthand the gravity of the floods and meet affected families when she visited Pakistan in September.
Also read: USAID Administrator arrives in Pakistan
Bilawal thanked USAID leadership for the early and significant humanitarian response from the US, which was critical for saving lives and drawing wider global attention to the severity of the impact.
The Foreign Minister also noted that in addition to flood relief, ongoing development efforts are equally critical to the future of the country. They are helping Pakistan to be more climate-resilient & promoting agricultural development, food security & health.
Meeting with US Senators
The Foreign Minister also held meetings with prominent US Senators. In this vein, he met with Lindsey Graham, Bob Menendez, Jeanne Shaheen & Tim Kaine.
Bilawal said that the US Congress was playing an important role in supporting post-flood recovery, rehabilitation & reconstruction in a green and resilient manner.
It is pertinent to note that a delegation of Congress visited flood-affected areas of Pakistan. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson described the situation as the most devastating and deadly flooding in Pakistani history.
Also read: US Envoy calls on Foreign Minister of Pakistan
The delegation was briefed by military rescuers. They listened to local people who had experienced the raging deadly waters. The panel assured that the US Congress would be an effective partner in working through human crises.
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