Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Trump held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges, their impact on global economy and ways to mitigate this impact. They also exchanged views on regional issues and further strengthening the Pakistan-US cooperation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan conveyed sympathies and condolences on the loss of so many precious lives in the US due to coronavirus. He also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus. He said that Pakistan was facing a dual challenge of overcoming the pandemic and saving people, particularly the most vulnerable segments of the population, from hunger due to lockdown. He said the government had put together a $8 billion package to support the affected people and businesses.

Thanking President Trump for the US support in the IMF and other fora, Prime Minister Imran Khan said it would provide necessary fiscal space to Pakistan and help in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prime minister’s call for “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for the developing countries is in the same context.

In the regional context, Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted Pakistan’s steadfast support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and the importance of political settlement. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for facilitation of the Afghan peace process and underscored the importance of next steps leading to the earliest commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations.

President Trump appreciated Prime Minister’s telephone call and expression of support for the US efforts to combat COVID-19. He also reassured Prime Minister Imran Khan of the US support to Pakistan in the efforts to combat COVID-19, including provision of ventilators as well as economic support. Having learned that Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent the coronavirus test, President Trump offered to send the latest rapid testing machine to the prime minister. The prime minister thanked him for the gesture.