Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during his maiden visit to New York after his appointment, on the occasion of the UN’s Global Food Security meeting.
According to a statement issued by the foreign minister on Twitter, the two had a very ‘productive’ meeting where they reaffirmed Pak-US ties on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“We discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, energy and climate change, health and education, IT and tech and agriculture,” tweeted Bilawal, adding that they also resolved their commitment to work together on food security issues.
We discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, energy and climate change, health and education, IT and tech and agriculture. The importance of trade over aid.
We will continue cooperation in defence and CT sectors
🇵🇰🤝🇺🇸#PakUSAt75— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 18, 2022
Secretary Blinken also shared news of the meeting between the two on his Twitter, saying that he looks forward to expanding their cooperation on climate, trade and investment, and regional peace and security issues.
.@BBhuttoZardari and I reaffirmed our shared desire for a strong and prosperous U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relationship. I look forward to expanding our cooperation on climate, trade and investment, and regional peace and security issues. pic.twitter.com/bFhGZFsNxg
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 18, 2022
Bilawal is set to meet the German and Italian delegations as well during his trip.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted that the foreign minister also met the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres today, and in the meeting he highlighted the importance of multilateralism for Pakistan, as well as Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir as well as the Line of Control.
During the meeting, FM @BBhuttoZardari highlighted:
➖importance of multilateralism & UN system for 🇵🇰
➖need to advance attainment of #SDGs
➖Indian atrocities & HRVs in #IIOJK.FM also resolved to work closely with SG particularly in 🇵🇰s capacity as Chair of @OIC_OCI CFM. pic.twitter.com/ykRyainerC
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) May 18, 2022
On the heels of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto’s arrival in New York for the UN Global Food Security meeting, a US State Department spokesperson confirmed that US will support Pakistan’s efforts to recover its economy.
According to Dawn, the spokesperson said, “The United States will continue to work bilaterally on ways to grow investment and trade opportunities to build a prosperous and stable Pakistan.”
The spokesperson also said that the US was welcoming the talks scheduled between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF and Pakistan are slated to begin their deliberations today (Wednesday) and according to sources, will be in talks over an agreement for the release of a $1 billion tranche under an Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
If …BBZ were a candidate for a job in the State Department. What would have been the outcome of the interview with Blinken ….