WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s diplomacy at this week’s democracy summit in Washington would test its ability to reestablish ties with the US without upsetting China.
US-led virtual summit begins Tuesday (tomorrow).
Like the first democracy summit in 2021, India and Pakistan were invited. India attended the last meeting and may attend this year. Pakistan skipped the first summit, apparently due to the Biden administration’s refusal to contact Imran Khan.
The summit may be a chance for cash-strapped Pakistan to secure US support for international lending and bilateral donors.
As the US invited Taiwan, China’s longtime enemy, Pakistan’s “all-weather friend” China would be closely observing these overtures.
Beijing wants Pakistan to skip the “controversial” moot, but doing so will send negative signals to the US at a time when Islamabad needs Washington’s support to secure an IMF deal.
Pakistan also worried over Turkiye’s exclusion from the summit.
“While, One would expect Pakistan to pass again, assuming Taiwan is there, in deference to China,” said Michael Kugelman, a South Asian affairs researcher at the Wilson Center, Washington.
“While unlikely, I wouldn’t completely rule out Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari making an appearance,” Mr. Kugelman added. “He’s been visiting the US frequently.”
Pakistani Embassy
Pakistan Embassy personnel in Washington had not heard from Islamabad.
“Since it’s mostly a virtual meeting, Pakistan still has time to decide,” one embassy official said. “Monday can confirm participation.”
The US Department of State and USAID co-sponsored the “Global Declaration of Mayors for Democracy” virtual summit.
Moreover, The event will demonstrate how cities and subnational governments promote democratic values and democracy worldwide.
The US, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Korea, and Zambia will co-host the second “Summit for Democracy” on March 29-30.
Most events will include US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Secretary Blinken will moderate a March 28 virtual discussion on “A Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine” with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Co-host country leaders will meet virtually on March 29.
“While democracy requires more than credible elections, they shape public perception of democracy’s efficacy and are vital for expressing the will of the people,” said a US State Department memo before the summit.
“The integrity of a country’s elections—that is, the degree to which they conform to international standards—is important for a government’s legitimacy, as well as domestic and international support,” the document stated. Corruption elimination in democracies will be discussed.
Moreover, Each theme—International Collaboration for Anti-Corruption; Financial Transparency and Integrity; Non-governmental Stakeholder; and Technology and Anti-Corruption—will have four sessions.
