United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the phone on Monday to discuss economy and Afghanistan related matters.

Bilawal in a tweet said that constructive engagement between the two countries is key to promoting peace, security and development in the region.

“Also discussed the regional security situation & the need for an objective appraisal of the threat of terrorism, and the imperative of continued cooperation for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he wrote.

Bilawal underscored the need for consultation and dialogue to find solutions for revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative “considering its importance for global food security particularly for developing countries”.

A statement from the State Department spokesperson said that the call was made to “reaffirm a productive U.S.-Pakistan partnership.”

The statement added that Blinked welcomed Pakistan’s successful negotiation with the International Monetary Fund and ‘encouraged’ continued economic reforms.

Blinken also said that democratic values are ‘central to the U.S.-Pakistan relationship’ and respect for rule of law will continue to push the relationship forward.

“The Secretary noted the Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks and affirmed the United States’ commitment to continued partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism,” the statement added.

The two also discussed the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war and discussed common interests regarding Afghanistan.