-US Department of State’s Derek meets PM, FM
By Makhdoom
Shehryar Babar
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday while calling the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-hit areas formidable challenges, said that the continued support, solidarity and assistance from the United States was crucial for the purpose.
The prime minister, in a meeting with Senior Policy Advisor to the US Secretary of State Derek Chollet, who called on him, said the government was fully engaged in the rescue and relief efforts.
He thanked Derek Chollet for visiting Pakistan at a critical moment when the country had been adversely affected by the most devastating flood in its history, with millions affected and displaced.
The prime minister told the foreign dignitary that over 33 million had been affected; more than 1,300 lives lost; and immeasurable damage was caused to agriculture, livestock, property, and critical infrastructure. He also cautioned about the likely outbreak of water-borne diseases. Prime Minister Sharif underlined that Pakistan was committed to deepen and widen its ties, especially in the areas of security, health, climate change, trade and investment.
He emphasized the need for a constructive and sustained engagement between the two countries, based on the principles of mutual trust, respect and understanding.
While highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change on the planet, the prime minister called for stepping up international efforts to meet climate goals, including mobilizing climate finance to better cope with this challenge.
In the regional context, he stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, and called for unfreezing of the Afghan assets. He also emphasized the need for enhanced engagement with the Afghan authorities. Underlining Pakistan’s commitment to promote peace in the region, including with India, the prime minister highlighted the need for resolution of long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as per the UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Derek Chollet expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan at the precious lives, resulting from the riverine floods in Pakistan.
On behalf of the Biden Administration, he affirmed that the U.S. would stand by Pakistan in the wake of this immense challenge, extend vital support, and help affected people rebuild their lives and communities.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday also thanked the US government for US $31.1 million in humanitarian relief assistance.
He also underscored the need for the international community to step up their ambition in climate financing towards mitigation, adaptation, and resilience especially towards the developing countries.
The Foreign Minister expressed these views during a meeting with Counselor Derek Chollet of the U.S. Department of State who called on him here.
Counselor Chollet offered heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the loss of life and devastation caused by the super floods in Pakistan, a press release issued here by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The Foreign Minister while thanking the Counselor for his visit at this difficult hour appreciated the strong expression of support and solidarity by the U.S. government.
He sensitized them that almost a third of Pakistan’s territory was under water. Over 1,300 had lost their lives; more than 33 million were affected; critical infrastructure had been destroyed; over 4 million acres of crops had been washed away; and close to a million livestock had already perished, he added.
The Foreign Minister said that, at present, the government was fully engaged in the immediate rescue and relief efforts to save lives.
At the same time, the long-term impacts on food security, health, and the economy were a matter of serious concern, he said, adding, rehabilitation of the millions impacted, reconstruction, rebuilding communities and addressing the economic repercussions would require enormous resources.
The Foreign Minister added it was unfortunate that although Pakistan contributed less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions, it suffered the severity of climate change.
He maintained that in recent months there has been a steady momentum of engagement between Pakistan and the United States, adding, Pakistan was committed to deepen and broaden its long-standing relationship with the U.S. based on mutual trust and mutual respect.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation in the areas of climate change, energy, health, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people links.
Counselor Chollet underlined that the US was committed to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to deal with the devastation caused by the floods.
He agreed with the Foreign Minister to reinforce ongoing engagement in various sectors and to explore more areas of cooperation to widen and strengthen this relationship.
Counselor Chollet is leading an inter-agency delegation to Pakistan from September 7-9, to reaffirm U.S. support to Pakistan in the wake of catastrophic flooding and reinforce the broad-based and enduring Pakistan-U.S. relationship.
