ISLAMABAD: Derek Chollet, counselor with the U.S. Department of State, held talks with Pakistan officials on a variety of topics, including how to improve economic ties, work together to address the effects of the climate crisis, and strengthen people-to-people ties.
As part of a delegation of senior U.S. government officials, Counselor Chollet said, “The United States and Pakistan have a robust partnership based on decades of bilateral cooperation and support. We look forward to strengthening our relationship in trade, investment, climate, clean energy, health, security, education, and other shared priorities.” Counselor Chollet is in Pakistan for a two-day visit. In order to emphasize the value of our bilateral partnership and reaffirm our countries’ commitment to one another, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan Elizabeth Horst and Agency for International Development Clinton White to highlight the importance of our bilateral partnership and reaffirm our countries’ shared goals.
According to a press release from the UN Embassy in Pakistan, Counselor Chollet’s visit, which came after the Geneva Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan on January 9, gave him the chance to learn more about the advancements Pakistan has made so far in response to the floods and how the United States, other donors, and partners can support Pakistan’s resilient recovery the most effectively. The United States has so far contributed more than $200 million in aid to Pakistan’s efforts to respond to floods and prepare for disasters. This ongoing assistance demonstrates the strength of the two countries’ relationship and the United States’ dedication to Pakistan and its people over the long term.
Sharing the details of the visit, the embassy said that Counselor Chollet met with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and discussed strengthening the U.S Pakistan bilateral partnership, including increased economic cooperation and Pakistan’s needs as it continues to recover and rebuild following the floods.
At a meeting with Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, the delegation also talked about economic reform and improving the regulatory environment in Pakistan to boost foreign investment, including from U.S businesses.
The Counselor also met with Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal and discussed Pakistan’s flood recovery and future opportunities within the U.S. Pakistan Green Alliance.
The Green Alliance builds upon the rich U.S Pakistan history of environmental collaboration and will help both the countries jointly to meet the agricultural, energy, water, and economic needs of the present and future.
Through the Green Alliance, the two countries will support each other to holistically strengthen climate resilience, pursue energy transformation, and foster inclusive economic growth.
The U.S. government will build on the dialogues of the Counselor’s visit at the first Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council since 2016 next week and the second Energy Security Dialogue and Climate and Environment Working Group this Spring.
The U.S. government is dedicated to expanding the full range of trade, security, education, people-to-people, climate, and clean energy cooperation and ties between the Pakistani and American people to promote a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for both our nations.
