In response to rumors sparked by President Joe Biden’s impromptu comments about Pakistan’s nuclear program, the United States has stated that it is confident in Pakistan’s capacity to maintain the safety and security of its nuclear assets.
“The United States is confident of Pakistan’s commitment and its ability to secure nuclear assets.” After a discussion between Counselor Derek Chollet and Ambassador Masood Khan, US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel briefed reporters in Washington.
The announcement of the meeting, which took place days after the Pakistan Foreign Office summoned the US ambassador in Islamabad to protest President Biden’s statements, was made by Chollet, a senior counselor to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Chollet said in a tweet that he met Ambassador Khan “to discuss US-Pakistan long-standing partnership and (to) further grow our ties in so many areas including health, agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, energy and more for the benefit of our peoples and the region”.
Always glad to meet Ambassador @Masood__Khan to discuss #USPAK longstanding partnership & further grow our ties in so many areas including health, agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, energy & more for the benefit of our peoples & the region. pic.twitter.com/WUeyul3eOb
— Derek Chollet (@CounselorDOS) October 17, 2022
The counselor’s tweet compelled the Pakistani embassy to confirm the meeting in a press release that not only lifted text from Chollet’s remarks but also from the daily news briefing.
Additionally, Ambassador Khan tweeted that he had spoken with Counselor Chollet about “ways to build further resilience in Pakistan-US relations and boost strategic trust between the two countries.”
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
To read our blog on “Imran Khan reacts to Biden’s Nuclear Program statement,” click here.
