ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the United States on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries and enhancing collaboration in key areas.
The development came as a US Congressional Delegation (CODEL), led by Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI) and including Representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi and Jonathan L Jackson, along with other senior US officials, met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal in the federal capital.
The meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of development cooperation and future collaboration across various sectors, a statement said.
Welcoming the delegation, Iqbal highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the US, underscoring shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to progress.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s longstanding and broad-based relationship with the UD remains a key pillar of its foreign policy.
A strong partnership between both countries, he noted, contributes significantly to regional stability and global peace, especially in a volatile global environment.
In the realities of new geo-politics, there is a need to establish a new equilibrium in Pak-US relations based on the ground realities, mutual trust and development focused partnership.
Iqbal highlighted the need to have understanding of Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges in the aftermaths of the two US led wars in the region.
Pakistan has borne the brunt and burden of over 3.5 million refugees for over three decades, drug and gun running in the society and rise of extremism.
The minister stressed the need to establish a new foundation in bilateral ties focused on development, especially in education, energy, climate change, infrastructure, and information technology.
Drawing from his own academic experience in the US, Iqbal acknowledged the transformative impact of US higher education in shaping global leaders and innovators.
He cited initiatives such as the Fulbright Scholarship Programme, the largest of its kind in the world, which has empowered thousands of Pakistani students to access world-class education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Proposing enhanced cooperation in the education sector, the minister urged the importance of “Pak-US Knowledge Corridor” and the establishment of campuses of top-tier American universities in Pakistan, assuring full facilitation by the government.
He called for academic partnerships and joint programmes to develop a highly skilled human resource base, which is most critical for Pakistan’s sustainable growth and future prosperity.
Referring to the devastating floods of 2022, Iqbal recalled the immense economic loss of over $30 billion, which impacted nearly one-third of the country.
He highlighted the importance of renewed collaboration in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
In the agricultural sector, the minister noted the success of the Green Revolution in the 1960s, made possible through US support, which helped Pakistan achieve food security by introducing high-yield wheat varieties. He called for a “Green Revolution 2.0” in the face of climate change, advocating for smart and climate resilient agriculture through technology transfer and joint ventures. With input from APP
