US Ambassador Donald Blome met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday to discuss key aspects of the US-Pakistan trade, investment, and economic relationship.

“The ambassador highlighted ongoing US support for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda,” said a statement issued by Acting US Mission spokesperson Thomas Montgomery.

Ambassador Blome noted the US was committed to working with Pakistan in technical and development initiatives. He emphasised that the US remained Pakistan’s largest export market, a “major source of high-quality investment and a strong partner for Pakistan’s economic future.”

The visit comes after an International Monetary Fund delegation left Pakistan after holding negotiations with Pakistan for a new bailout package.

“The mission and the authorities will continue policy discussions virtually over the coming days aiming to finalise discussions, including the financial support needed to underpin the authorities’ reform efforts from the IMF and Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral partners,” the mission chief, Nathan Porter, said.

Earlier this month, the United States administration said that it supported Pakistan’s efforts to reach an agreement with the IMF for a loan programme.

“When it comes to efforts to stabilize its economy, including through reaching an agreement with the IMF, we support those efforts,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing on May 2.

Blome also met Aurangzeb in March. He had assured him support for the completion of Pakistan’s $3 billion short-term loan programme.