Pakistan major non-Nato ally, Nato partner: US

By Wajid Ali Syed
December 13, 2023

WASHINGTON: The US has said that it seeks partnership with Pakistan on regional security and defense cooperation.

Responding to a question asked by The News about the Pakistani army chief’s ongoing official visit to the US, the State Department spokesperson refrained from offering any details of prospective meetings. 

The US flags can be seen along the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 3, 2023. — AFP
The US flags can be seen along the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 3, 2023. — AFP

However, the spokesperson called Pakistan “a major non-Nato ally and a Nato partner” and added, “Generally speaking, we look forward to partnering with them on regional security and defence cooperation.”

To another question, the department stated that its keeping eye on the developments in the Indian held Jammu and Kashmir after India’s top court upheld Delhi’s controversial decision to revoke the special status of the state.

“We continue to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely, noting the Supreme Court’s recent ruling,” the US State Department spokesperson said responding to The News. “We look forward to further steps by the Indian government to fulfill its pledges to restore political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir including by holding assembly elections as stipulated in the Supreme Court’s ruling,” it said.