United States of America has shown its confidence in Pakistan’s Ability to secure its nuclear arsenals. The statement came after the President Joe Biden called Pakistan as one of the dangerous states with nuclear weapons.
Vedant Patel, states department spokesperson said that” United States has always seen Pakistan as a secure and prosperous country as important to US interests. Whereas, the United States is confident of Pakistan’s commitment and ability to secure its nuclear weapons”.
The statement came after a meeting between Derek Chollet, state department counsellor, and Masood Khan, Pakistan’s envoy to the US.
In his tweet, Chollet wrote that he met the ambassador to discuss the two countries “longstanding friendship” and to strengthen connections. Furthermore, he added that we want to create resilience in “PAKUS” ties and boost strategic trust.
Discussed with @CounselorDOS ways to build further resilience in #PAKUS ties and boost strategic trust. High level visits, people to people exchanges and effective communication would continue to fortify relations. Thanked Mr Chollet for his constructive role. https://t.co/19sfk0LHT4
— Masood Khan (@Masood__Khan) October 18, 2022
In response to Al Jazeera’s enquiries about the US statement, neither Pakistan’s foreign ministry nor its communication ministry answered.On October 13, Pakistan summoned the US ambassador after Biden’s remarks at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that, “We are fully capable of safeguarding our nuclear weapons, and they meet every international standard in accordance with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) as far as security and safety is concerned”.
Over the past few years, Pakistan has always shown to be a most responsible nuclear state. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also rejected the Biden’s Assertions.
Bilateral Ties
In recent years, Pakistan has increasingly strengthened economic and defense ties with regional ally China, one of the US’s primary geopolitical enemies. Whereas, recent months have shown a gradual rise in interaction between senior Pakistani and US officials.
Shehbaz Sharif and Bhutto Zardari visited the United Staes in September. Wheresa, General qamar Bajwa visited the United staes this month.
Chollet and other US officials came to Pakistan in the aftermath of recent floods. The flood killed more than 1,700 people and more than 33 million people were affected. The US provided $66 million in aid so far.
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