ISLAMABAD: The United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, has categorically denied allegations that Washington is pressuring Pakistan to choose between the US and China.
Speaking at an interactive session on ‘US-Pakistan Relations: Present and Future’ organized by the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR), Ambassador Blome emphasized the importance of trade partnerships in achieving economic prosperity.
Blome stressed the need for equitable trade terms and urged China to engage in fair trade practices. He also advised Pakistan to demand the same fairness in its economic relationships. While acknowledging the historical lens through which some policymakers in Washington have viewed Pakistan’s role in US engagement in Afghanistan, Blome emphasized that the US relationship with Pakistan should stand on its own merits and not be solely framed in the context of China, India, or Russia.
Strong Engagement Between US and Pakistan
The ambassador reiterated the strong engagement between the US and Pakistan, highlighting the extensive military education and training programs that have benefited over 2,000 Pakistani officers.
Blome expressed optimism regarding Pakistan’s economic future, envisioning it as a pivotal engine for a larger regional economy that connects South and Central Asia. He also hinted at the potential for an improved economic relationship with India.
On a regional level, Blome reaffirmed the US commitment to partnering with Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts and addressing the root causes of instability in the region. He acknowledged that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) operates independently but emphasized the US desire to see Pakistan’s program with the IMF succeed. Blome identified the economic challenges facing Pakistan as a significant concern and stated that Washington is keen on seeing the resolution of this issue.
Highlighting the growing trade ties between Pakistan and the US, the ambassador recalled the US donation of 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to Pakistan during the pandemic. He expressed hope for further flourishing ties between the two countries.
