ISLAMABAD: As the new administration began efforts to secure a new loan to alleviate the country’s economic troubles, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome met to discuss economic reforms through the International Monetary Fund (IMF), among other concerns.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed satisfaction with the current condition of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the positive momentum by holding frequent meetings of current discussion mechanisms focused on trade, investment, energy, health, defense, education, agriculture, and climate change.
Premier Shehbaz stated that his government would prioritize macroeconomic measures to stabilize the economy and attract international investment.
In this context, he also emphasized the importance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which was established to expedite foreign investment in Pakistan’s priority sectors.
A variety of bilateral and regional concerns were also covered at the discussion, including the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea, developments in Afghanistan, and the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, which was strongly emphasized by PM Shehbaz.
While congratulating the prime minister on his re-election, Blome stated that the United States regarded Pakistan an essential partner and sought to collaborate with the government to strengthen ties between the two nations, the report added.
