News
Saturday, September 25, 2010
US, UK vow long-term help to flood-hit Pakistan
* Nick Clegg and Joseph Biden reiterate their commitment to strategic partnerships with Pakistan
WASHINGTON: The United Kingdom and the United States are committed to ensuring the most effective possible international response to Pakistan’s ongoing flood disaster, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and US Vice President Joseph Biden said in a joint statement.
“We recognise the enormous scale of the devastation and Pakistan’s humanitarian and recovery needs,” the two leaders said in the statement after meeting at the White House.
The two leaders reiterated their respective countries’ commitment to strategic partnerships with Pakistan.
“On behalf of our two countries we pledge our unshakeable support for the people of Pakistan in the wake of this natural disaster. But our support does not end here. We reaffirm our commitment to enhancing our respective strategic partnerships with Pakistan, on the basis of shared interests and mutual respect.
The US and the UK affirm their commitment to sustained long-term post-flood reconstruction in Pakistan, beyond the immediate humanitarian needs, they underscored.
“We encourage other members of the international community to remain engaged as well. Stability in Pakistan, underpinned by economic and democratic development, is vital for the stability of the region and for security in the wider world.”
The two leaders welcomed the international contributions that have been made so far, including $134 million from the UK and $345 million from the US, and also recognised the generosity of individual citizens in these and other countries.
“However, there is more to be done. To meet the targets of the UN’s humanitarian appeal and the upcoming World Bank damage and needs assessment, we encourage the international community to respond fully, rapidly and with effective coordination and leadership. We encourage partners to meet in full pledges made at the 2009 Tokyo Donors meeting in addition to new pledges that are related to the floods.”
“We recognise the role that the international community has in helping Pakistan to address a range of challenges across development, security, and governance.” app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk