She added that economic relations between Pakistan and the United States “have always been strong and continue to progress.”
Acting U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker. Photo: (file)
ISLAMABAD:
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker said Pakistan is a sovereign nation and must protect itself from falling into the “debt trap” of any country, stressing that the country should fully implement its privatization program and complete the reform program of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure long-term economic stability.
She was speaking informally to reporters on Sunday at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where she had arrived to attend the ceremony where President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed the country’s highest civilian honor, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Regarding Pakistan’s close relations with China, Baker said Pakistan was “a free and sovereign country” that could maintain ties with any nation it chose, but must “carefully protect its sovereignty and economic interests.”
“Any project that leads a country into a debt trap is a matter of concern for the entire world,” she said, adding that Washington was fully aware of the sensitive nature of Pakistan-China relations.
Baker emphasized that only full compliance with the IMF reform agenda would ensure the success of Pakistan’s economic strategy. She noted that the World Bank was also providing effective support to Pakistan.
When asked if the IMF and World Bank were being too strict with Pakistan, she said the IMF wanted Pakistan to pursue economic reforms that would result in “a better and sustainable economy.”
She added that economic relations between Pakistan and the United States “have always been strong and continue to progress.”
Baker stressed that Pakistan’s sovereignty was “extremely important” to Washington and said the United States was helping Pakistan “with a big heart.”
Responding to a question about a possible visit by President Trump, she said that once he finds time through his international commitments, “he will go to Pakistan.”
