Pakistan welcomes US statement

Islamabad looks forward to deepening its ‘important relationship’ with Washington, says PM Office

ISLAMABAD:

The PML-N-led coalition government on Tuesday said that it wanted to engage with the US in a “constructive” and “positive” manner to promote shared goals of peace, security, and development in the region.

"We welcome US reaffirmation of long-standing ties with Pakistan," the PM's Office said in response to comments made by the White House on the assumption of office by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The statement added that Pakistan looks forward to deepening its "important relationship" with the United States based on the principles of equality, mutual interest, and mutual benefit.

The remarks followed White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's statement, wherein, she said a democratic Pakistan was critical to the interests of the United States.

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“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.

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.