Obama calls Nawaz, expresses desire for better Pakistan-US ties

US President took the PM in to confidence ahead of his visit to India

ISLAMABAD: US President Barack Obama on Friday called Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and expressed hsi desire to improve bilateral ties between the two countries.

The US president epxressed his desire to take US-Pakistan ties 'one step beyond' current levels.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the cordial exchanges between Nawaz and Obama, Pakistan-US bilateral relations and the evolving situation in the region were discussed.

Nawaz expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Pakistan-US relations.

President Obama noted that Pakistan-US relations were strong and robust. He was pleased to see that the government had determined the right economic priorities and was successfully overcoming challenges.

The two leaders agreed to stay engaged to further strengthen Pakistan-US relations in their common desire to promote peace and prosperity in South Asia.

The US President also informed the premier of his forthcoming visit to India. Recalling his invitation extended in Washington, the prime minister conveyed the expectation of Pakistan of welcoming Obama in Islamabad sometime in the future. To this, Obama assured Nawaz that he would undertake a visit to Pakistan as soon as the situation normalises in the country.

While referring to his own visit to India earlier this year, Nawaz lamented that subsequent unfortunate steps on India’s part, including cancellation of foreign secretary level talks and the unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary indicated that India was averse to normalisation of relations with Pakistan and that the onus was on India to create a conducive environment for resumption of dialogue.

President Obama expressed his understanding for Pakistan’s position.

The prime minister further urged President Obama to take up the cause of Kashmir with the Indian leadership, as its early resolution would bring enduring peace, stability and economic cooperation to Asia.

Discussing the regional situation, the prime minister referred to the improvement of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, as manifest in President Ashraf Ghani’s recent visit to Islamabad. The US President appreciated efforts in this regard and called it pivotal for the peace and stability in the region.

On invitation of Indian PM Narendra Modi, Obama is expected to “travel to India in January 2015 to participate in the Indian Republic Day,” said a statement issued by the White House.

He will participate in the celebration as a chief guest in New Delhi, and the visit will “mark the first time a US president will have the honour of attending” the celebration.