Pakistan seeks upgrade in bilateral mechanisms with US

John Bass held talks with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, DPM Ishaq Dar and COAS Gen Asim Munir in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan sought to upgrade the bilateral mechanisms with the United States particularly in the economic and defence fields after talks between the two sides during the visit of a Biden administration official to Islamabad on Monday. 

Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass travelled to Islamabad as part of his two-nation trip. As President Joe Biden’s term ends in a few months, his administration is dispatching different officials to the regions. While Donald Lu is traveling to India and Bangladesh, John Bass was sent to Islamabad and Ankara.

In Islamabad, John Bass held delegation level talks with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He also called on Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir.

An official handout issued by the foreign office said the two sides held wide ranging discussions on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including progress on the existing dialogue mechanisms on trade, energy, security, health, climate change and counter-terrorism. 

The foreign secretary noted the importance attached by Pakistan to its relations with the United States. She underlined the need to upgrade the bilateral mechanisms, especially in the economic and defence fields, and working towards building a broad based and meaningful bilateral relationship.

Relations between Pakistan and the US have remained steady in recent years but there has been no tangible outcome. The reference to upgrading the bilateral mechanisms stems from the fact that there has been no high level engagement between the two countries during the Biden administration term. Biden has never spoken to either Imran Khan or Shehbaz Sharif on the telephone.

Observers believe the visit of John Bass, who is a low-ranked official within the Biden administration, reflects the priorities of the current US administration.

Meanwhile, according to the foreign office, Under Secretary Bass thanked Foreign Secretary Baloch for the opportunity to engage substantively on issues of mutual interest. 

He said the US desires to partner with Pakistan in its efforts to strengthen and stabilise the economy. He expressed appreciation for the resilience shown by Pakistan in the face of recent challenges like floods and terrorist attacks.

A separate statement issued by the US embassy here said John Bass met today with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in Islamabad.

They discussed approaches to expanding bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, and the importance of fostering regional stability and prosperity.

Under Secretary Bass expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s continued cooperation in assisting Afghans in resettlement pathways to the United States.

The Under Secretary congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister on Pakistan's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term and expressed the United States’ interest in working closely with the Government of Pakistan during its tenure.