Counselor Derek Chollet of the U.S. Department of State, along with a delegation of senior U.S. government officials, visited Pakistan from September 7 to 9. The visit aimed to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Pakistan and reaffirm shared goals.
During his visit, Counselor Chollet discussed various issues including trade, investment ties, climate crisis cooperation, health partnership advancement, and people-to-people connections. He also expressed U.S. solidarity with Pakistan in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by recent flooding.
"This has been a very productive visit to Pakistan," said Counselor Chollet. "The United States and Pakistan have a robust partnership based on decades of bilateral cooperation and support."
Chollet conveyed condolences for the devastation caused by widespread flooding in Pakistan and emphasized U.S. sympathy for those affected. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Bhutto-Zardari, he discussed $53.1 million in humanitarian assistance provided by the United States this year for disaster resilience and flood response.
In Islamabad, Chollet met with Prime Minister Sharif to discuss strengthening bilateral relations in trade, investment, climate, and health sectors. He highlighted the strong health partnership between both nations and the U.S.'s commitment to donate over 77 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Pakistan.
Chollet also met with Army Chief General Bajwa to discuss opportunities for supporting flood response efforts and security cooperation between the two countries.
While in Karachi, he met with Sindh's Chief Minister to explore expanding commercial partnerships amid ongoing flooding challenges. He visited Jamia Islamia Clifton madrasa's distribution center for humanitarian relief efforts.
To promote trade linkages and maritime sector cooperation, Chollet toured Karachi Port with Rear Admiral Zubair Shafique from Karachi Port Trust.
The U.S. government remains committed to expanding trade, security, education, clean energy-related cooperation between Pakistani and American people for a stable future.