Khar, Kerry reaffirm commitment to bilateral relations

Secretary of State accepts invitation to visit Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: A day after newly confirmed US Secretary of State John Kerry called President Asif Ali Zardari, he called foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

Kerry reaffirmed the desire of the US government to forge even closer relations with Pakistan and assured her of stronger coordination and cooperation between the two countries.

The foreign office said on Thursday that in their telephonic talks, Kerry confirmed that cooperating with Pakistan in all fields will continue.

Both Khar and Kerry agreed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the best interest of both Pakistan and the US.

The foreign minister expressed confidence that relations between Pakistan and the US will continue to move on a positive trajectory hoped that with his deep understanding of the region and extensive knowledge of global dynamics, Secretary Kerry would make a significant contribution to further strengthening relations.

The two expressed satisfaction on the progress that has been made during the past few months and looked forward to more intensive engagement in this regard.

Khar then invited Kerry to visit Pakistan, which he accepted.