In a key visit to Islamabad on Monday, John Bass, the US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between the United States and Pakistan. The talks focused on economic and security issues, counterterrorism efforts, and broader regional stability.
According to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Bass met with Pakistani officials to discuss approaches to combat violent extremism and foster regional stability. The discussions also touched on the importance of continuing collaboration on resettling Afghan refugees, with the US official expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s ongoing assistance.
The visit coincides with heightened tensions over US sanctions related to Pakistan’s missile program. Last week, Washington imposed sanctions on five entities and one individual involved in the proliferation of ballistic missile technology to Pakistan. The sanctions also targeted China-based firms for their role in transferring equipment used in Pakistan’s missile systems, specifically for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missiles.
Despite these sanctions, the visit by Bass highlighted the resilience of Pak-US ties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Bass paid a courtesy call on Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. In their discussions, both sides acknowledged the importance of positive engagement, with Dar emphasizing the need for productive bilateral relations.
Bass also held delegation-level talks with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, where a broad range of topics were discussed, including trade, energy, security, health, and climate change. The foreign secretary stressed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with the US, particularly in the economic and defense sectors. The statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office noted that Bass expressed the US’s desire to support Pakistan in its economic stabilization efforts, praising the country’s resilience in facing recent challenges like floods and terrorist attacks.
The visit underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue between the two nations, even as disagreements over specific issues like missile technology persist. Both sides continue to seek areas of mutual interest to further strengthen their partnership.
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