FM Bilawal seeks sustained US assistance for flood relief

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has lauded the United States’ assistance for flood relief, saying that magnitude of the disaster necessitated sustained and long-term cooperation.

During the foreign minister's meeting with Chairman US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Robert Menendez, Bilawal shared the impact of the devastation caused by the floods and underscored that it was a compound crisis with humanitarian, health, food security and economic dimensions.

He urged Menendez to mobilise support in the US Congress, which historically had stood by the people of Pakistan during natural disasters.

The foreign minister said that the flood crisis has provided an opportunity for Pakistan to build better, greener and more resilient infrastructure. Given the huge investment required, Pakistan viewed the US government and private sector as important partners in this task.

Read: NFRCC urges media to continue highlighting flood devastation

Chairman Menendez conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the people and the government of Pakistan on the devastation caused by the floods.

He assured of his support in enabling Pakistan to overcome this challenge. He said the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the US was an important milestone.

Both countries had achieved a lot working together.

Menendez also praised the Pakistani diaspora’s role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties. He underscored the importance of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s regular engagement with the foreign minister.

Both sides also discussed peace and stability in the region including Afghanistan, Indian repression in IIOJK and its illegal actions on August 5, 2019.