Kerry calls Zardari, discusses Pakistan-US relationship

US Secretary of State and President Zardari discuss regional stability and future of Afghanistan.


Huma Imtiaz February 13, 2013
Secretary of State John Kerry enjoys a longstanding relationship with many Pakistani political leaders. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

WASHINGTON: Recently confirmed US Secretary of State John Kerry called President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday and discussed Pakistan-US relationship.

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland in Wednesday's press briefing said that Kerry, who enjoys longstanding relationships with a number of Pakistani leaders, used the opportunity to “underscore the continuing importance of an effective, strong, and mutually beneficial US-Pakistani relationship.”

Nuland said that Kerry emphasised that Pakistan and the US have many shared interests including fighting terrorism and extremism, supporting democratic civilian institutions and supporting Pakistan's efforts to increase its economic growth.

The two also discussed the shared interest in regional stability, including a secure and peaceful future for Afghanistan, the spokesperson said.

“He [Kerry] noted our ongoing interest in finding a concrete way to act jointly in support of all of these goals, and he made clear that he looks forward to working with President Zardari going forward.”

COMMENTS (6)

Something Clever | 11 years ago | Reply

@Clear Black Bag: Coming from the deceptive country that always gets caught and brow beaten.

Khan Bhai | 11 years ago | Reply

Kerry has always been pro-Pakistan, remember Kerry-Lugar Act?, so I have complete faith that this appointment will undoubtedly result in positive developments. Let hope our diplomats are able to build on this.

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