Pakistan decided on Tuesday not to participate in this week’s democracy summit in Washington, electing instead for bilateral engagement with the United States to promote democratic values.
Today begins the virtual summit conducted by the United States. China and Turkey were not invited to attend the summit.
Pakistan’s involvement in the Second Summit for Democracy in the US had been debated. Especially because it could potentially anger Pakistan’s “all-weather friend” China, which had not been invited to the summit. Pakistan weighed the benefits of participation against the potential dangers to its diplomatic relationships when making this decision.
The United States has already irritated China by inviting Taiwan, China’s longtime adversary. Therefore, China would closely monitor these overtures.
Similar to the first summit on democracy in 2021, both India and Pakistan were invited to this summit. India attended the previous meeting and may do so again this year. Pakistan skipped the first summit because the Biden administration didn’t contact then-prime minister Imran Khan.
Beijing reportedly wants Pakistan to opt out of the ‘controversial’ meeting, but doing so will send negative signals to the United States at a time when Islamabad needs Washington’s support to secure an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Pakistan was also concerned about the decision to exclude Turkey from the summit.
The Foreign Office stated in a statement released today that Pakistan values its friendship with the United States.
“Under the Biden administration, this relationship has significantly broadened and expanded. According to the statement, we will strengthen this partnership for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Pakistan was not a part of the summit process that began in 2021 and required countries to make certain national commitments, according to the Foreign Office’s justification for not participating in the summit.
Pakistan stated, “The Summit process is now at an advanced stage. Therefore, Pakistan will work with the US and Summit co-hosts to advance democracy, human rights, and anti-corruption.”
It hailed the United States and co-host nations for inviting Pakistan to the summit.
The FO added, “As a vibrant democracy, the people of Pakistan are deeply committed to democratic values, and successive generations of Pakistanis have upheld their faith in democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.”
It also highlighted Pakistan’s democratic government’s 50th jubilee.
The climax
The US Department of State and USAID co-sponsored the virtual summit with the theme “Global Declaration of Mayors for Democracy.”
This event will highlight how cities and subnational governments affirm democratic ideals and revitalise democracy globally.
The United States, along with the administrations of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Zambia, will co-host the second ‘Summit for Democracy’ on March 29 and 30.
Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken will attend the majority of the events. On March 28, Secretary Blinken will preside over a virtual forum discussion titled “A Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine.” Which will feature Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On March 29, each co-host government’s leader will partake in a virtual meeting.
Before the summit, the US State Department published a document stating, “While democracy requires more than credible elections, they shape public perception of democracy’s efficacy and are essential for expressing the will of the people.”
“The integrity of a country’s elections — that is, the degree to which they conform to international standards — is crucial for the legitimacy of a government, as well as for domestic and international support,” the document added. The discussions will center on anti-corruption efforts in democratic nations.
Four sessions will be held on each of the following topics: International Cooperation for Anti-Corruption, Financial Transparency and Integrity, Non-Governmental Stakeholders, and Technology and Anti-corruption.
