WASHINGTON, 16 August 2021, (TON): In an Independence Day message, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the hope to continue to work with Pakistan to advance the Afghan peace process.

The top US diplomat also underlined 70 years of partnership between the two countries, hoping that this relationship will continue in years to come.

Secretary Blinken wrote “we continue to collaborate to advance the Afghan peace process, boost economic ties, and address the climate crisis.”

He added “I look forward to strengthening our relationship in years to come as we look for opportunities to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.”

Blinken underlines 70 years of partnership with Islamabad.

Prime Minister Imran Khan complained earlier this week that the United States saw his country as useful only for clearing the “mess” it was leaving behind in Afghanistan.

The prime minister told foreign journalists at a briefing in Islamabad said “Pakistan is just considered only to be useful in the context of somehow settling this mess which has been left behind after 20 years of trying to find a military solution when there was not one.”

In recent statements, US officials and lawmakers have pressed Pakistan to use its influence over the Taliban to broker a peace deal between Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government.

They want Pakistan to prevent a Taliban takeover of Kabul.

Secretary Blinken wrote “for more than seven decades, the United States and Pakistan have worked together in partnership. Over the past year, we have expanded our cooperation in key areas such as health.”

 “On behalf of the government of the United States of America, I offer best wishes to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day.”