ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed United States’ (US) reaffirmation of long-standing ties with Islamabad, a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government said.
The US on Monday said it had a “strong and abiding” relationship with Pakistan, especially in the security domain, which would continue under the new leadership of PM Sharif.
Sharif was sworn-in as the country’s new prime minister on Monday following a week-long constitutional crisis that reached a climax on Sunday when Imran Khan was ousted as premier in a no-confidence vote in parliament.
Over the last few weeks, Khan has said the move to remove him was an attempt at a “regime change” in Pakistan, backed by the US. The White House and State Department have repeatedly denied the allegation.
“We have noted the comments made by the White House on assumption of office by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. We welcome US reaffirmation of long-standing ties with Pakistan,” the Pakistani government statement read.
Pakistan’s new government wished to “constructively and positively” engage with the US to promote shared goals of peace, security and development in the region.
“We look forward to deepening this important relationship on the principles of equality, mutual interest and mutual benefit,” the statement said.
At a press briefing on Monday, White House Secretary Jen Psaki said she did not have “a prediction of a call at this point in time,” when asked if President Joe Biden would telephone the new Pakistani PM.
However, she added: “We have a long, strong and abiding relationship with Pakistan, an important security relationship and that will continue under new leaders.”
Sharif said in an interview last week good relations with the US were critical for Pakistan “for better or for worse,” in stark contrast to Khan’s prickly ties to Washington.
In his maiden speech as PM he said Pakistan had a long history of bilateral relations with the US “which have seen ups and downs.”
“So, does this mean we spoil ties? I think we shouldn’t,” he told parliament. “We should maintain our ties with America on a principle of equality.”
