US expresses willingness to work with Imran's govt for productive relation

ISLAMABAD: United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday wished newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan a success and expressed his willingness to work with the new government towards a productive bilateral relation.

In a phone call, Pompeo wished Khan success in the wake of his being sworn in as prime minister in Islamabad Saturday after a victory in national elections on July 25, said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

“Secretary Pompeo expressed his willingness to work with the new government towards a productive bilateral relationship,” Nauert said in a statement.

He also “raised the importance of Pakistan taking decisive action against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process.”

It is pertinent to mention that the Foreign Office of Pakistan has said there was no mention at all in the conversation about “terrorists operating in Pakistan”.

Read More: FO terms US state dept statement on Imran-Pompeo call ‘factually incorrect’

The secy state also expressed well wishes to Imran Khan for the commitment to make Pakistan a welfare state.

Both the leaders agreed to fortify bilateral ties. Imran emphasized to further strengthen bilateral relations based on mutual trust.

“Peace is imperative in the region, therefore, Pakistan, the US and the other countries in the region would have to beef up efforts in this regard,” he said.

The US secretary of state is set to visit Pakistan on September 5. Pompeo and PM Khan are expected to discuss Pak-US relations and matters of mutual interest during their meeting. Afghan peace process will also be the part of their discussion.

According to an international publication, “the Pompeo mission will also help Washington and New Delhi coordinate their objectives and mission in Afghanistan”.

Read More: Bridging gulf between Pakistan, US in both’s favor, says foreign minister

Earlier, a senior official of the United States government has hailed Imran’s statement on the importance of peace on both sides of Pakistan’s borders.

Addressing a press conference, United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells emphasised that Pakistan had a critical role to play in the long-term stability of Afghanistan.

“We encourage Pakistan to take stronger steps to ensure that the Taliban comes to the negotiating table. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan embarked an effort to improve their ties for negotiating a solidarity document which we strongly support,” she said.

“We look forward to working with the new government. We welcome Imran Khan’s words when he discussed the importance of having peace on both sides of the borders.”