Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has met US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in New York and thanked her for her keen interest in strengthening Pakistan-US ties, besides inviting her and the US Congressional Caucus to Pakistan.
Bilawal had arrived in the US on Tuesday to attend the two-day ministerial conference on the threat to global food security on the invitation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
During the meeting, Bilawal and the US Congresswoman discussed cooperation in climate change, humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, and ease of travel between Pakistan and the US.
The foreign minister lauded Sheila Jackson for her outstanding leadership while the US Congresswoman appreciated the vision of Bilawal for advancing Pakistan-US relations.
The foreign minister said that Sheila Jackson is the greatest advocate of Pakistan-US relations, adding that he would pursue engagement with the US and soon visit Washington to unlock the true potential of the bilateral ties.
He noted that ties between Pakistan and the US have cemented through enhanced interaction and exchanges between the leadership, parliamentarians, students and people-to-people contacts.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan is committed to promoting entrepreneurship and protecting women rights and democracy.
Congresswoman Jackson said that she would fully support the foreign minister’s endeavours and continue to highlight Pakistan’s efforts for women empowerment, fostering democracy and stability.
Bilawal to visit China:
On the special invitation of China Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Bilawal will visit China on May 21-22.
The minister of state for foreign Affairs and senior officials will be part of the foreign minister’s delegation.
During the visit, the foreign minister will hold extensive consultations with Wang Yi.
The two leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, besides discussing progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The two sides will also have wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues.
Bilawal’s visit will also coincide with the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Earlier, Wang Yi had written a letter to Bilawal, congratulating him on his assumption of the office of foreign minister. Previously, the two foreign ministers had held a virtual meeting on May 11.
