High-level engagement beneficial for Pak-US ties, acknowledges US senator

Lindsey Graham hails Pakistan's support for peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, says official statement

US Senator Lindsey Graham has acknowledged that high-level engagement between Pakistan and the United States is beneficial for both the countries.

“Leading Republican Senator Lindsay Graham agreed with Prime Minister Imran Khan that sustained and high-level engagement between Pakistan and the United States were to the two countries' mutual advantage,” said an official statement issued on Monday.

The communique comes after Senator Graham, who also heads the Senate Judiciary Committee of US, called on PM Imran at Pakistan House in Washington today.

Great meeting with the PM of Pakistan, Imran Khan. @ImranKhanPTI

In my opinion he and his government represent the best opportunity in decades to have a beneficial strategic relationship the US. This will help us secure Afghanistan and the region long-term. pic.twitter.com/sHN07H5Biv

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 22, 2019

“Pakistan desired a broad based relationship with the United States that safeguarded the two countries' interests and promoted win-win cooperation in areas ranging from the economy to trade and investment to energy and education,” said the premier who is in the US on a three-day visit.

He appreciated Republican senator's efforts and support for strengthening Pak-US relations and apprised him of his government’s development and economic priorities, the official statement added.

According to sources, besides Saudi crown prince, Senator Graham  complemented great efforts to arrange Trump-Imran meeting.

He also appreciated Pakistan's support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. "Marked improvement in Pakistan's security environment was a result of its successful counterterrorism operations and efforts to secure the Pakistan-Afghanistan border."

PM Imran said that Pakistan has paid a high price because of instability in Afghanistan and is fully committed to working with the US in achieving a political settlement in the war-torn country.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, and Pakistani envoy Asad M Khan were also present in the meeting.