ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Talking to the Senior Policy Adviser to the US Secretary of State Derek Chollet in a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has underlined that Pakistan is committed to deepen and widen its ties with the United States, especially in the areas of security, health, climate change, trade and investment.
The prime minister emphasized the need for a constructive and sustained engagement between Pakistan and the US based on the principles of mutual trust, respect and understanding.
In the regional context, he stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, and called for unfreezing of the Afghan assets. He also emphasized the need for enhanced engagement with the Afghan authorities.
Mr. Derek Chollet, Senior Policy Advisor to the 🇺🇲 Secretary of State called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, today. He expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Government and people of Pakistan at the precious lives, resulting from the riverine floods in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/fPaZL585g8
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PMO_PK) September 8, 2022
Underlining Pakistan’s commitment to promote peace in the region including with India, Shahbaz Sharif highlighted the need for resolution of long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister added that in recent floods across Pakistan, over 33 million have been affected, more than 1,300 lives lost and immeasurable damage was caused to agriculture, livestock, property, and critical infrastructure.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also cautioned about the likely outbreak of water-borne diseases. He underlined that the government was fully engaged in the rescue and relief efforts.
The prime minister underscored that rehabilitation and reconstruction would pose formidable challenges. He noted that continued support, solidarity and assistance from the United States, a Country with which Pakistan has a long-standing relationship, was crucial in this context.
While highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet, the prime minister called for stepping up international efforts to meet climate goals including mobilizing climate finance to better cope with this challenge.
On behalf of the Biden Administration, Derek Chollet affirmed that the US would stand by Pakistan in the wake of this immense challenge, extend vital support, and help affected people rebuild their lives and communities.
The Derek Chollet expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan at the precious lives, resulting from the riverine floods.
The prime minister thanked Derek Chollet for visiting Pakistan at a critical moment when the Country has been adversely affected by the most devastating flood in its history, with millions affected and displaced.
