Latest news with #NatalieBaker
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan launches first Shariah-compliant ‘Green Sukuk' to attract eco-friendly investment
Pakistan interior minister meets US envoy, conveys 'serious concerns' over India strikes ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Wednesday to convey his country's 'serious concerns' over India's military strikes inside Pakistani territory and its implications for regional peace, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. Several countries have called for calm between India and Pakistan amid soaring tensions in South Asia, following Indian attacks on six locations inside Pakistan on Wednesday. Islamabad said Indian strikes killed at least 26 civilians and injured 46. In response, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets and struck Indian military posts along the Line of Control. Naqvi met Baker in Islamabad to provide her a 'comprehensive' briefing in the aftermath of the Indian strikes and evolving security situation in South Asia, APP reported. US Political Counselor Zachary Harkenrider and Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry were part of the meeting. 'During the meeting, Minister Naqvi gave a comprehensive briefing to the US delegation on the aftermath of the Indian aggression, expressing Pakistan's serious concerns over the incident and its implications for regional peace,' APP said. Naqvi accused India of putting South Asia's peace and stability at stake, APP said. He further stressed 'India has torn apart regional harmony and by targeting civilians, it has blatantly violated international laws.' Naqvi said Pakistan had acted responsibly and showed maximum restraint in the face of Indian provocation. 'We gave a strong and appropriate response in defense of our homeland,' Naqvi was quoted as saying. 'Pakistan will never allow any compromise on its national security.' INTERNATIONAL REACTION US President Donald Trump had reacted to the incident on Wednesday night, condemning the escalation, expressing hope that the fighting would end quickly. 'It's a shame,' he said. 'Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades. I hope it ends very quickly.' Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was monitoring the situation closely and would continue to engage with the leadership of both countries for a 'peaceful resolution.' A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said India's actions were 'regrettable,' urging both countries to exercise restraint and refrain from further complicating the situation, Reuters reported. United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called on Pakistan and India 'to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace,' Emirates News Agency-WAM reported. Turkiye urged India and Pakistan to act with common sense amid the military escalation between them, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday, saying India's latest military action created the risk of an 'all-out war.' In a statement, the ministry reiterated its support for Pakistan's call for an investigation into a militant attack that killed 26 in the Indian-administered side of the Himalayan region on April 22. The UK is ready to support both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said on Wednesday, following the worst violence between the nuclear-armed arch-foes in two decades. 'Our message would be that we are a friend, a partner to both countries. We stand ready to support both countries. Both have a huge interest in regional stability, in dialogue, in de-escalation and anything we can do to support that, we are here and willing to do,' he told BBC radio.
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan interior minister meets US envoy, conveys ‘serious concerns' over India strikes
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Wednesday to convey his country's 'serious concerns' over India's military strikes inside Pakistani territory and its implications for regional peace, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. Several countries have called for calm between India and Pakistan amid soaring tensions in South Asia, following Indian attacks on six locations inside Pakistan on Wednesday. Islamabad said Indian strikes killed at least 26 civilians and injured 46. In response, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets and struck Indian military posts along the Line of Control. Naqvi met Baker in Islamabad to provide her a 'comprehensive' briefing in the aftermath of the Indian strikes and evolving security situation in South Asia, APP reported. US Political Counselor Zachary Harkenrider and Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry were part of the meeting. 'During the meeting, Minister Naqvi gave a comprehensive briefing to the US delegation on the aftermath of the Indian aggression, expressing Pakistan's serious concerns over the incident and its implications for regional peace,' APP said. Naqvi accused India of putting South Asia's peace and stability at stake, APP said. He further stressed 'India has torn apart regional harmony and by targeting civilians, it has blatantly violated international laws.' Naqvi said Pakistan had acted responsibly and showed maximum restraint in the face of Indian provocation. 'We gave a strong and appropriate response in defense of our homeland,' Naqvi was quoted as saying. 'Pakistan will never allow any compromise on its national security.' INTERNATIONAL REACTION US President Donald Trump had reacted to the incident on Wednesday night, condemning the escalation, expressing hope that the fighting would end quickly. 'It's a shame,' he said. 'Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades. I hope it ends very quickly.' Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was monitoring the situation closely and would continue to engage with the leadership of both countries for a 'peaceful resolution.' A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said India's actions were 'regrettable,' urging both countries to exercise restraint and refrain from further complicating the situation, Reuters reported. United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called on Pakistan and India 'to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace,' Emirates News Agency-WAM reported. Turkiye urged India and Pakistan to act with common sense amid the military escalation between them, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday, saying India's latest military action created the risk of an 'all-out war.' In a statement, the ministry reiterated its support for Pakistan's call for an investigation into a militant attack that killed 26 in the Indian-administered side of the Himalayan region on April 22. The UK is ready to support both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said on Wednesday, following the worst violence between the nuclear-armed arch-foes in two decades. 'Our message would be that we are a friend, a partner to both countries. We stand ready to support both countries. Both have a huge interest in regional stability, in dialogue, in de-escalation and anything we can do to support that, we are here and willing to do,' he told BBC radio.
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Dar, US official discuss regional peace
ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) has conveyed Washington's desire for de-escalation and that it will stay engaged with both countries on the evolving situation. US Chargé d'Affaires, Natalie Baker called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar on Wednesday. They exchanged views on recent regional developments, said the Foreign Office in a statement. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and security while safeguarding national interests. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Dar spoke with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Albares. The DPM briefed him on recent regional developments, including Indian propaganda and illegal unilateral measures against Pakistan, and placing Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance — a clear violation of international law. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and security, he also conveyed Pakistan's readiness for an independent and transparent investigation. Albares appreciated Pakistan's desire for peaceful settlement of the issue and welcomed its proposal for a transparent investigation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation at both the bilateral and multilateral fora. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Karachi visit: US official highlights trade, investment opportunities
KARACHI: US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker visited Karachi April 23-24 to boost trade ties and strengthen business partnerships between the United States and Pakistan. During her visit, CDA Baker met with senior executives from leading Pakistani companies to discuss economic trends, investment opportunities, and ways to grow commercial cooperation. Topics included Pakistan's engagement with the IMF, efforts to improve the business climate, and regional trade. She underscored the importance of private-sector leadership in driving economic growth, saying, "The United States values its economic partnership with Pakistan and sees strong business partnerships as key to building shared prosperity." CDA Baker also met with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other provincial officials to explore opportunities for closer economic collaboration. Their discussions focused on fair and reciprocal trade, energy cooperation, and innovation in science and technology. In a meeting with the American Business Council, CDA Baker spoke with representatives of US-linked companies about Pakistan's growing tech sector and the promise it holds for exports and job creation. "Pakistan's expanding tech sector shows how open, fair and competitive markets can drive innovation, boost exports, and create jobs that benefit both our countries,' she said. The visit highlighted new opportunities to expand US-Pakistan cooperation in trade, investment, and business – helping to grow exports, attract investment and create jobs that will make both countries stronger, safer, and more prosperous. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, US agree to deepen energy ties
Listen to article Pakistan and the United States have expressed their commitment to advancing mutual energy goals and exploring new avenues of cooperation in the sector. They expressed the resolve at a meeting held on Friday between US Embassy Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker and Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, where they discussed bilateral energy collaboration, sustainable development, and opportunities for enhancing Pakistan-US relations. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships in renewable energy initiatives, minerals, hydrocarbons and infrastructure investment. Baker and Malik exchanged views on critical energy challenges, technological innovation, and policy measures to support Pakistan's growing energy demand, future roadmap for mutually beneficial partnership and sustainability of the energy sector. "We are keen to explore joint ventures in oil, gas, and renewable energy to ensure sustainable development and energy affordability for our citizens," the minister remarked. On the occasion, it was revealed that acting US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Eric Meyer would attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum scheduled for April 8. This marks an important visit by a US official from the State Department after a long time. In her remarks, Baker commended Pakistan's economic recovery and successful implementation of critical reforms as well as emphasised that the United States had positive engagements on security with Pakistan.
