US, Pakistani pin flags Photo: http://www.crossed-flag-pins.com
President Donald Trump’s administration looks forward to working with Pakistan toward the goal of peace and security in the region, U.S. top national security adviser said as Washington and Islamabad seek to reset the bilateral relationship.
According to a Pakistani government statement, National Security Adviser Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster told Finance Minister Ishaq Dar that security was an important prerequisite to unlock the immense economic potential of the region. He said the U.S. administration would like to work closely with Pakistan in this regard.
President Trump looks forward to working with Pakistan to pursue the common objectives of peace and security and economic well-being of the people, a news release quoted McMaster as saying during a telephonic conversation.
Washington and Islamabad are expected to step up their diplomatic engagement after years of setbacks to the ties under the Barack Obama Administration, which, despite extending economic and security assistance, failed due to Afghan war controversies.
During the conversation, McMaster also acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts to improve security in the key South Asian country.
Pakistan is seen by experts as critical to the success of any peace efforts Afghanistan, where U.S. wants to defeat terror and stabilize the landlocked country.
While appreciating Islamabad’s initiatives for economic reforms, McMaster said, according to the news release that Pakistan had made impressive progress on the economic side. He looked forward to meeting the finance minister in Washington later this month.
Finance Minister Dar congratulated Gen McMaster on assuming the important responsibility as the National Security Adviser.
“The improved security conditions as well as the economic turnaround achieved in last three years provide an excellent opportunity to develop and promote an economic partnership between the two countries,” Dar added.
“Pakistan believes in a peaceful neighborhood and the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is keen to work with friends and partners for peace and stability in the region and beyond,” Dar said.
