Finance Minister held a telephonic conversation with his U.S. counterpart Anthony Blinken
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi discussed matter of mutual interest with the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in the first formal contract with the newly inaugurated Biden Administration. The two also discussed the ongoing Daniel Pearl case.
Secretary Blinken talked about the cooperation between the United States and Pakistan over the years and felt that there are more issues that both sides need to work on. The U.S. Secretary of State acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
The Foreign Minister congratulated Secretary Blinken on assuming his office. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to forging a comprehensive partnership with the United States based on the convergence of interests on a whole range of issues.
The two discussed the importance of continued U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process, support for regional stability, and the potential to expand trade and commercial ties, according to the U.S. readout of the phone call.
Highlighting the transformation in Pakistan in the last years, the foreign minister shared Prime Minister Imran Khan has a new vision under which Pakistan is focused on forging economic partnership, building a peaceful neighborhood, and enhancing regional connectivity.
Peace in Afghanistan through a negotiated political settlement was one of the fundamental convergences between the two countries, officials agreed. Pakistan had facilitated the Afghan peace process and remained committed to working with the United States as a partner for peace, Pakistan’s foreign minister said.
The two leaders also discussed how to ensure accountability for convicted terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and others responsible for the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl.
FM Qureshi underscored that it was important that justice is served through legal means and highlighted the steps being taken in this regard.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s federal government has announced to join the review proceedings initiated by the Sindh government against the acquittal of the accused ordered by the Supreme Court in the murder case of U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl.