ISLAMABAD: The United States and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to remain engaged for further bilateral collaboration in the health sector to achieve sustainable development.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reform and Special Initiatives Asad Umar held a virtual meeting with the US Department of States Coordinator for Global Covid Response and Health Security, Gayle E. Smith at the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, said a press release issued here.

Mr Umar briefed Ms Smith on Pakistan’s efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, including the vaccination campaign. He stressed the need to learn from collective experiences and lessons of the global Covid-19 response.

The minister thanked the US government for providing valuable support for Pakistan’s Covid-19 response, noting in particular the provision of vaccines.

Ms Smith appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19 and said the country was an important partner in combating the pandemic.

She said that the US government had so far provided around 16 million vaccination doses to Pakistan and was trying to increase that figure.

The minister and the US official agreed to enhance cooperation in fighting the pandemic.

Separately speaking at Wilson at Centre in Washington on ‘What Next for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’, Mr Umar gave a detailed presentation on the CPEC, focusing on its current status, future plans and importance in the larger dynamics shaping the regional economic activity by promoting regional connectivity.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2021