Bilawal and Blinken discussed Pakistan’s economy and Afghanistan issue

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari discussed Washington’s help to revive cash-strapped Islamabad’s economy and other regional issues, including Afghanistan, in a phone conversation with his American counterpart Antony Blinken. A statement issued by the State Department here said the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues on Monday and agreed to work together to strengthen ties, promote peace and development. Last night, Blinken tweeted, “The United States supports a productive, democratic and prosperous partnership with Pakistan.” He said he exchanged views with Bilawal on how to get Pakistan’s economy back on track and shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan.

Reiterating America’s commitment to the people of Pakistan, Blinken said that “Pakistan’s economic development is one of America’s top priorities,” the State Department reported. Pakistan is facing an increase in terrorism incidents and local officials are accusing Afghanistan of harboring terrorists, especially fighters from the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to Pakistan’s State Department, the US Secretary of State underlined that the people of Pakistan bear the brunt of terrorist attacks and reiterated the US’s commitment to continue partnering with Pakistan in its counter-terrorism campaign.

In a statement issued by the Pakistan Army’s media wing, Blinken and Bilawal discussed the regional security situation as well as mutual interests and defense cooperation. Thanking the US for its support, Bilawal said the stand-by agreement with Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would “boost Pakistan’s economy and development,” according to the statement. He said Pakistan is committed to structural reforms to its economy to make it more competitive, more attractive to businesses and foreign investors. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued a separate statement saying Blinken spoke to Bilawal by phone to “reiterate the beneficial US-Pakistan partnership”.

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