Blome assures Aurangzeb of strengthening economic cooperation

Talks centered on enhancing the nation's tax administration and support for IMF plan

ISLAMABAD:

US Ambassador Donald Blome met on Tuesday with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss discuss further US cooperation and support for Pakistan’s efforts to meet its reform targets.

According to the statement released by the Embassy of the United States of America, the talks centred on enhancing the nation's tax administration and investment climate—a key priority for Pakistan.

Ambassador Blome emphasized the United States' steadfast support for Pakistan's collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conclude its current Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) successfully.

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Blome also emphasized his dedication to broadening US-Pakistan economic collaboration in areas of common interest.

A day earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Ambassador Blome met to discuss a broad range of issues important to their bilateral relationship, including US support for continued economic reforms, human rights and regional security.

Blome also highlighted the importance of the two countries’ shared interests and the many opportunities to advance shared goals, including through high-level dialogues and the Green Alliance framework.

Blome also engaged in a crucial meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday, emphasising US support for economic reforms in Pakistan.

On Friday last week, The US ambassador and PM Shehbaz also met and discussed how both countries could work together to accelerate projects addressing climate change under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance framework.