Biden: U.S., U.K. Commit to Continued Aid for Pakistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2010 – Citing the “enormous scale of the devastation” caused by flooding in Pakistan, Vice President Joe Biden and Deputy British Prime Minister Nicholas P. Clegg today affirmed their nations’ commitment to helping the country recover.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting, said they recognize Pakistan’s continuing humanitarian and recovery needs.

The statement noted that the United Kingdom has contributed about $209 million to the effort, and the Unikted States has contributed about $345 million.

“We welcome the international contributions that have been made so far, … and we recognize also the generosity of individual citizens in these and other countries,” the statement said. “However, there is more to be done.” They encouraged the international community to respond “fully, rapidly and with effective coordination and leadership,” and encouraged partners to meet in full pledges made at the 2009 Tokyo donors meeting in addition to new pledges related to the floods.

“The U.S. and the U.K. affirm their commitment to sustained long-term post-flood reconstruction in Pakistan, beyond the immediate humanitarian needs,” the statement continued. “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.”

Pledging “unshakeable support for the people of Pakistan” in the wake of this natural disaster, the two leaders also reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to enhancing their strategic partnerships with Pakistan, “on the basis of shared interests and mutual respect.”

“We recognize also the role that the international community has in helping Pakistan to address a range of challenges across development, security, and governance,” they added. “We look to the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Ministerial meeting in October to mobilize further political support on these agendas.”