Despite challenges, the U.S.-Pakistan relationship is in the national security interests of both nations, the State Department emphasized Monday as another senior American official visited Islamabad to repair strains in the ties following U.S. raid on Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Abbotabad last month. “We have been consistent in saying that our relationship with Pakistan has many challenges but it is also in both our countries’ long-term national security interests,” spokesman Mark Toner said at the daily briefing. Toner particularly cited the anti-terror “successes” the two countries have had in capturing and eliminating al-Qaeda militants over the years.
He said President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have clearly said those successes against al-Qaeda could not have been possible without Pakistan’s help.
The spokesman said the Obama Administration is working to address some of the challenges in bilateral relations, especially in the light of bin Laden whereabouts, and in this respect referred to top American officials including Secretary Clinton, making a series of visits to the South Asian country, considered key to U.S. success in Afghanistan.
“Each of them has pledged our commitment to work through these challegnes with Pakistan and move the relationship forward.”
Toner spoke as Thomas R. Nides, United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, discussed bilateral cooperation with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad on Monday. APP
“Each of them has pledged our commitment to work through these challegnes with Pakistan and move the relationship forward.”
Toner spoke as Thomas R. Nides, United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, discussed bilateral cooperation with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad on Monday. APP
