Latest World News: FM Bilawal and Blinken discuss Pakistan’s economic recovery
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed US support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and shared regional concerns, including Afghanistan, during a phone call with Foreign Minister Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari, he revealed on Tuesday.
In a tweet on Monday evening, Blinken said, “The United States supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan.
The Foreign Office (FO) said Tuesday morning that Blinken and Bilawal noted the positive momentum in Pakistani-US relations and agreed to remain constructively engaged to promote peace, security and development.
In a detailed statement, the FO said: The two Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of constructive engagement between Pakistan and the United States to promote peace, security and development in the region. They also discussed the regional security situation, including the terrorist threat, and reaffirmed their willingness to pursue close cooperation for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Bilawal also stressed that Pakistan appreciates its long-standing and broad-based relationship with the United States and wishes to further deepen the partnership. He noted that over the past year, apart from holding six dialogues, the exchange of high-level visits has diversified and solidified relations, according to the statement.
Bilawal stressed the priority given to economic and trade relations and Pakistan’s particular interest in advancing cooperation on climate change and green energy, the FO said.
Thanking the United States for its support, Bilawal said the stand-by arrangement between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would give impetus to Pakistan’s economic and development imperatives and that Pakistan was committed to bringing structural reforms to its economy to make it more competitive and attractive to business and foreign investment, the statement added.
Bilawal also noted the importance of the Black Sea Grains Initiative, particularly from the perspective of developing countries and concerns over food security and inflation, and stressed the need to continue concerted efforts to revive the agreement at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Blinken stressed that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are at the heart of US-Pakistan relations and that these values will continue to guide this partnership, the FO said.
Also, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that Blinken spoke on the phone with Bilawal to reaffirm a productive US-Pakistani partnership.
Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan, emphasizing that Pakistan’s economic success remains a top priority for the United States, Miller said.
He further said that Blinken noted that the United States will continue to engage with Pakistan through technical and development initiatives and through strong trade and investment ties.
Blinken also welcomed the IMF’s arrangement with Islamabad and encouraged continued reforms to promote economic recovery and prosperity, he said.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law are at the heart of U.S.-Pakistan relations and that those values will continue to guide this partnership, Miller said.
The US Secretary of State also noted that the people of Pakistan have suffered greatly from the terrorist attacks and affirmed the United States’ commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
Blinken and Bilawal also discussed the destabilizing effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine as well as the shared interest of the United States and Pakistan in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Miller added.
The phone call between the two came hours after the Chief General of US Central Command (Centcom), General Michael Erik Kurilla, during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, acknowledged Pakistan’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.
According to the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), General Kurilla visited General Munir in Rawalpindi.
The visiting dignitary recognized and appreciated the successes of the Pakistani military in the fight against terrorism and Pakistan’s continuous efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, the statement said.
During the meeting, issues of mutual interest, (the) regional security situation and defense cooperation were discussed, the ISPR added. He said the two sides reiterated the desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in all fields.
Also read this Article:
An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.