Islamabad: Ambassador of the United States of America to Pakistan Donald Blome met Prime Minister Pakistan Mian Shehbaz Sharif to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, including partnering with the government of Pakistan on regional security, U.S. support for continued economic reforms with and through the IMF, trade and investment, education, climate change, and private sector-led economic growth.
According to press release issued by US Mission, Ambassador Blome expressed US support for Pakistan’s democracy and the key role of an independent press.
The Ambassador and Prime Minister also discussed how both countries can work together to accelerate projects addressing climate change under the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance framework.
According to press release issued by Pakistan Information Department, Prime Minister expressed satisfaction on the present state of bilateral relations.
He emphasized the need to maintain the positive momentum by regular convening of existing dialogue mechanisms, focused on trade, investment, energy, health, defence, education, agriculture and climate change.
Prime Minister said that his government would focus on macro-economic reforms to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment. In this regard, he also highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) that has been established to fast-track foreign investments in priority sectors in Pakistan.
A number of issues of bilateral and regional significance were also discussed during the meeting, including the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea, developments in Afghanistan, as well as the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, which was raised forcefully by the Prime Minister.
Congratulating the Prime Minister on his re-election, Amb. Blome said that the U.S. considered Pakistan an important partner and hoped to work with the government to build stronger ties between the two countries.
