ISLAMABAD: The United States has congratulated Pakistan on its 78th Independence Day and appreciated Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism and trade cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the United States warmly congratulated the people of Pakistan on August 14 and appreciates Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism.
Marco Rubio said that Washington values cooperation with Islamabad in key areas and they are eager to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation, including in key minerals and hydrocarbons, to pave the way for a prosperous future for the people of both countries.
This goodwill message from the United States has come at a time when the United States has recently designated the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its sub-group Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organisations.
According to the US State Department, the BLA and Majeed Brigade have also been included in the “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” list.
This development comes after Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent visit to the US and the strengthening of ties between the two countries.
Along with this, the US has expressed its commitment to invest in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors, especially in Balochistan, a province rich in natural resources and considered a stronghold of several banned groups.
Furthermore, Pakistan and the US recently held counter-terrorism talks in Islamabad, in which both countries reiterated their commitment to eliminate extremism and fight together against ISIS, TTP and BLA.
Read also: Field Marshal Munir engages with top US civil-military leadership during official visit: ISPR
