US official assures Afghans who assisted coalition of 'unwavering commitment'

US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R Verma during his visit to Pakistan underscored the US' "unwavering commitment" to assist Afghans who collaborated with or worked on behalf of the US government.

As per a statement issued by the US Embassy on Friday, the US official met with senior Pakistani officials, international organisations, and like-minded partners.

Deputy Secretary Verma highlighted mutual interests in protecting vulnerable populations and facilitating the resettlement of eligible Afghans.

During his visit to Islamabad, secretary Verma explored shared interests and areas of mutual cooperation to advance bilateral relations.

Moreover, he also engaged with business leaders in Pakistan discussed ways in which the US could encourage economic reforms. The emphasis was on supporting a stable and prosperous Pakistan through enhanced trade and investment ties.

The deputy secretary was on a tour to Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan from January 8 to January 12, 2024, the embassy's statement noted.

Previously in December, various options were discussed during the four-day visit of US Assistant Secretary of State Julieta Valls Noyes to Pakistan. Noyes is a point person of the Biden administration looking after issues of refugees and migration.

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She held a series of meetings with Pakistani officials, representatives of the UN and other international organisations as well as some Afghan refugees.

A statement issued by the US Embassy here said she reaffirmed the United States' steadfast commitment to the protection and safe, efficient resettlement and relocation of eligible Afghan refugees to the United States.

“In meetings with senior Pakistani government officials, Assistant Secretary Noyes discussed how both countries can work together to accelerate the processing of Afghan nationals eligible for relocation or resettlement in the United States, expressed the US desire to continue working with the Government of Pakistan as we process individuals in US resettlement pathways, and encouraged upholding international humanitarian principles, including non-refoulement, and protecting vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers,” read the official handout.

During her visit, Noyes appreciated the opportunity to meet international partners, including UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross and like-minded diplomatic partners to thank them for their intensive efforts to support and protect Afghan refugees.

The assistant secretary also met and heard directly from Afghan refugees on the concerns most important to them.