In an effort to reset ties with the United States, as well as seek support for reviving the economy, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi has told US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman that Pakistan considers the US as an ‘important partner’ in its efforts to salvage its declining economy.
According to State Department spokesperson Ned Price, Wendy Sherman noted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan. He said, “Sherman reaffirmed our shared goals for enhancing the US-Pakistan relationship by advancing our economic and commercial ties and health cooperation”.
Sherman also tweeted about the meeting, saying “We look forward to working together & celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.”
I met with Special Assistant to the PM of Pakistan Amb. Fatemi to reaffirm our shared goals of expanding relations through enhancing economic & commercial ties. We look forward to working together & celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. #PakUSAt75 https://t.co/X6H9mnWUQU pic.twitter.com/yTJJoVZXF5
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) July 21, 2022
According to a press release by the Pakistani embassy, the US officials were told by Fatemi that Pakistan seeks close and cordial relations with the US on the basis of equality, mutual cooperation and mutual benefit.
He also told the deputy secretary, “Pakistan is an important player in promoting regional peace, security and prosperity and taking the bilateral relationship forward in a substantive manner would serve the interests of both countries,” the statement added.
According to The Express Tribune, Fatemi was in Washington to lobby for a possible meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Joe Biden during the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York in September.
Reportedly, Fatemi was also tasked with seeking the Biden administration’s help in persuading the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding flexibility in some of the strict conditions attached to the revival of the bailout programme.
