US values cooperation with Pakistan, says WH

US press secretary refrained from responding to questions on possibility of phone call between Biden, Shehbaz

The US valued its long-standing cooperation with Islamabad and has always viewed that a prosperous and democratic Pakistan was critical to the American interests in the region, the White House said on Monday after Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

“We value our long standing cooperation with Pakistan and have always viewed a prosperous and democratic Pakistan critical to US interests. That remains unchanged regardless of who the leadership is,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

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Psaki refrained from responding to questions on the possibility of a phone call between President Joe Biden and Shehbaz. “I don’t have a prediction of a call at this point of time. Obviously, those are assessments made day by day and especially after new leaders are elected,” she said.

“Of course, we have a long, strong and abiding relationship with Pakistan, an important security relationship and that will continue under new leaders,” Psaki added.