The US Secretary of State Blinken announced $10 million in food assistance on Monday, sending a message that “we have been here for Pakistan”. He said this after a “good and engaging and extensive conversation” with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Mr Blinken also discussed India’s responsibility. During our discussion, my colleagues and I discussed the need to deepen our relationship in a critical way.”
The [bilateral] relationship remains strong, and Secretary Blinken believes we can do much more on trade.
Mr. Blinken to rebuilt Pakistan
Mr. Blinken added: “We are meeting when one-third of Pakistan is under water.” We are determined. Our bilateral ties will be rebuilt.” The two countries have also worked together on counterterrorism and shared common Afghan objectives.
As Blinken noted, this relationship is resilient. A member of his team was Hina Rabbani Khar, a minister of state. The foreign minister met Dilawar Syed soon after his arrival and discussed various options for enhancing trade relations.
The meeting focused on the role of US private business in rebuilding infrastructure after floods. Pakistan’s potential and green energy plans were also highlighted by him.
Flood condition In Pakistan
“We are united with Pakistanis impacted by the devastating floods,” Mr Syed said, adding that the US was leading a $53 million international effort to support Pakistan. “An economic partnership was discussed between the US and Pakistan.”
US direct investment grew by 50% last year, with the US being Pakistan’s largest single export market. 2021 saw nearly $9 billion in US-Pakistan trade.
Approximately 80 US companies employ over 125,000 Pakistanis directly, and more than one million indirectly. In 2021, US firms invested up to $5.7m in Pakistani social initiatives.
A Pakistani ambassador and prominent Pakistani American community members also met Mr Bhutto-Zardari at the residence of the Pakistani ambassador.
US State Department official Derek Chollet previously said the US didn’t want Pakistan to abandon China.
MSF, an international NGO offering health services to flood-affected people, was praised by the foreign minister in a meeting. Doctors from around the world provide medical services through the MSF.
