Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Thursday that Pakistan’s relations with the United States should not be viewed through the prism of China or Afghanistan.
While addressing a diplomatic reception at the US embassy to celebrate the 75 years of relations between Pakistan and the US, the prime minister made these comments.
According to PM Shehbaz, the US shouldn’t view Pakistani relations through the lens of Afghanistan or China since they should stand on their own. He reaffirmed the need to restore trust, respect, and understanding between Pakistan and the US.
It is a matter of great honor to recall that the United States was one of very first countries which offered full recognition to Pakistan, said Shehbaz.
“Let bygones be bygones,” he said and stressed that it was time for the two countries to move forward and find ways to warm up relations to levels seen in the past.
The floods, according to the prime minister, have destroyed over four million acres of arable land and killed over 1600 people, mostly children and women. The tragedy was not Pakistan’s fault, he added.
The premier went on to say that the government was working hard to help the affected people but it’s not enough until every affected person gets all facilities back.
“The rehabilitation effort is significantly more challenging and requires resources. The PM pleaded with the world to give the greatest amount of assistance to flood-affected people, saying, “We need the cooperation of the international community to reconstruct our infrastructure and provide refuge to our people.
Meanwhile, the US ambassador in his address said the people of the United States continued to stand with Pakistan.
“We are doing what friends and partners do – support each other when it’s needed most… Our partnership has been advantageous to both countries,” he remarked.
On the occasion, US Ambassador Donald Blome also met the prime minister and discussed the matters related to bilateral relations and cooperation.
