- Says ‘partnership’ critical to ensure security of our people — and people around world
- Assures US will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle most pressing global and regional challenges
ISLAMABAD: Marking first official communication with any Pakistani prime minister in years, President of the United States Joe Biden wrote a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, emphasizing that the “enduring partnership” between the United States and Pakistan was “critical to ensuring the security of our people — and people around the world.”
According to the contents of the letter shared by the US Embassy, President Biden wrote: “The enduring partnership between our nations remains critical to ensuring the security of our people—and people around the world—and the United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time.”
“That includes advancing our shared vision for a future of greater health security, economic growth, and access to education for all. Through our US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, we will also continue to strengthen our climate resilience, support sustainable agriculture and water management, and assist with Pakistan’s recovery from the devastating floods in 2022,” Biden said.
“And, the United States remains committed to working with Pakistan to protect human rights and promote progress,” he added.
According to the content of the letter, President Biden conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly-elected government of Pakistan.
“Together, we will continue to forge a strong partnership between our nations, and a close bond between our people,” he concluded.
In his letter to the prime minister, President Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering commitment to standing alongside Pakistan in confronting the most pressing challenges facing the world and the region.
He also emphasized the shared vision of prioritizing public health protection, economic development, and education, affirming the commitment to advancing these goals in tandem, a press release of Prime Minister Office said on Friday.
Highlighting the significance of the enduring partnership between the peoples of the United States and Pakistan, President Biden said the partnership was critical to ensuring the security of the world and the people.
Moreover, President Biden emphasized the continued collaboration between the two nations under the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, aiming to bolster environmental improvements and sustainable development initiatives.
‘US President broke with tradition’
Through the letter, the US President broke with tradition by not engaging with any of the prime ministers in Pakistan during his tenure. He neither telephoned former prime minister Imran Khan after his electoral victory nor spoke to Shehbaz Sharif when he succeeded him in April 2022.
Biden’s letter suggested that despite allegations of ballot fraud, the US government is ready to work with the new government.
Earlier this month, US lawmakers had urged President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to refrain from recognising the new government until allegations of election rigging were thoroughly investigated.
The lawmakers, all Democrats like President Biden, in their joint letter, had expressed concerns about pre and post-poll rigging in Pakistan’s parliamentary elections.
They called for a transparent and credible investigation before recognising a new Pakistani government, citing evidence of violations and disruptions on election day.
Although Pakistan is no longer a priority for the US after its withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the South Asian nation remains key in terms of regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.
While American civilian leaders have shown indifference towards Pakistan in recent years, the American military establishment still seeks a working relationship with Pakistan.
In some of the recent testimonies before the US Senate committees, US CENTCOM chief Michael Kurilla stressed the importance of Pakistan and said the US must evaluate ties with Islamabad on their own merit.
