Blinken, Bilawal discuss bilateral ties in first contact since formation of new govt in Pakistan

Blinken, Bilawal discuss bilateral ties in first contact since formation of new govt in Pakistan

Islamabad/Washington: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a telephonic conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the first such high-level contact since a new government took over in the country, and exchanged views on various aspects of bilateral ties.
The conversation took place amidst a chill in bilateral ties and weeks after ousted prime minister Imran Khan alleged that the US was behind the “foreign conspiracy” to topple his government through a no-confidence vote tabled by the Opposition.
The Pakistan Foreign Minister received a telephone call from Blinken, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement on Friday.
During the phone call, Secretary Blinken congratulated Bilawal on the assumption of his office and expressed the desire to continue strengthening the mutually beneficial Pakistan-US bilateral relationship.
Exchanging views on various aspects of Pakistan-US relations, Bilawal underscored that Pakistan and the US have a longstanding broad-based relationship.
He added that constructive and sustained engagement between the two countries based on mutual respect and mutual interest was vital to promote peace, development and security in the region and beyond.
Bilawal emphasised that Pakistan’s vision was focused on human development, regional connectivity and a peaceful neighbourhood.
According to the State Department, Blinken during the call reiterated the desire to strengthen the broad-based bilateral relationship.
The Secretary underscored the resolute US-Pakistan commitment to Afghan stability and combatting terrorism. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also highlighted ongoing engagement on trade and investment, climate, energy, health, and education, it said. —PTI

 

 

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