Trump hails positive moment in US-Pakistan ties after rescue of American family

Photo: Screenshot/White House video

President Donald Trump has expressed praise for Pakistan’s effort in securing the release of an American family after years of the Afghan Taliban captivity, looking forward to more counterterrorism cooperation from the ally.

“This is a positive moment for our country’s relationship with Pakistan,” Trump noted while announcing the release of American citizen Caitlan Coleman, her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle and their three children born during the five years of captivity.

“The United States government, working with the government of Pakistan, secured the release of Caitlan Coleman, Joshua Boyle, and their three children from captivity from the Haqqani Network, a terrorist organization with ties to the Taliban,” Trump announced.

“The Pakistani government’s cooperation is a sign that it is honoring America’s wish that it do more to provide security in the region,” said the U.S. president, whose scathing remarks about the lack of Pakistani counterterrorism efforts a few weeks ago blistered Islamabad as the Trump Administration unveiled its new Afghan policy.

While applauding Pakistan’s cooperation, Trump said the countries have now started respecting the United States again.

“And I want to thank the Pakistani government.  We want to thank Pakistan.  They worked very hard on this, and I believe they’re starting to respect the United States again.  It’s very important.  I think right now a lot of countries are starting to respect the United States of America once again.

“We hope to see this type of cooperation and teamwork in helping secure the release of remaining hostages and in our future joint counterterrorism operations.

Meanwhile, people in Coleman’s native small Pennsylvania town have been relieved at her freedom from the long captivity half a world away. Coleman’s rural Stewartstown lies about 40 miles north of Baltimore.