Pakistan sees US as ‘essential partner’ in dealing with economic crisis

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi has said that Pakistan saw the US as an “essential partner in its attempts to resuscitate” the nation’s struggling economy.

While noting the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Thursday, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price stated that Deputy Secretary Sherman “reaffirmed our shared goals for enhancing the US-Pakistan relationship by advancing our economic and commercial ties and health cooperation”.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistani Embassy, Fatemi informed the American official that Pakistan “seeks close and cordial ties with the US on the basis of equality, mutual collaboration, and mutual gain”.

According to the statement, he explained to the deputy secretary that Pakistan “is a key participant in supporting regional peace, stability, and prosperity” and that “moving the bilateral relationship ahead in a substantial manner will serve the interests of both nations.”

In a statement released by the embassy, Fatemi emphasized Pakistan’s desire for “increased bilateral cooperation” in the areas of commerce, investment, agriculture, textiles, and information technology. He described this as Pakistan’s “primary goal”.

According to the embassy, Fatemi informed Sherman that Islamabad considered Washington to be “a vital partner in its attempts to rebuild Pakistan’s economy”.

White House Spokesperson, Rice emphasized “coordination on Afghanistan and regional stability”, but he also referred to the need for help in addressing “the disastrous impacts of Russian President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on food security in Pakistan and internationally”.