Trump admin looking forward to working with Pakistan: official

ISLAMABAD: US National Security Adviser Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster said on Friday that the administration of President Trump looked forward to working with Pakistan to pursue the common objectives of peace and security and economic well being of the people.

US National Security Advisor called Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on telephone Friday evening. Dar will be visiting Washington for attending the spring meeting of the IMF/WB during this month and it was expected that he would hold meetings with US administration high-ups on the sidelines of the Breton Wood Institutions (BWIs) meeting.

The US official in his talks with Finance Minister said that the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces as well as civilians to improve the security conditions were admirable. He said that Pakistan had also made impressive progress on the economic side.

He said that security was an important prerequisite to unlock the immense economic potential of the region and the US administration would like to work closely with Pakistan in this regard. He said that he looked forward to meet the Finance Minister during his upcoming visit to Washington, later in the month.  

The two leaders exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest. Finance Minister congratulated Gen McMaster on assuming the important responsibility as the National Security Adviser and said that he looked forward to working with him (NSA) to further develop and enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He said that the improved security conditions as well as the economic turnaround achieved in last three years provide an excellent opportunity to develop and promote an economic partnership between the two countries.

The minister further said that Pakistan believes in a peaceful neighbourhood and the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is keen to work with friends and partners for peace and stability of the region and beyond.

Referring to the tremendous success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and encouraging results of the ongoing operation Radd-ul-Fasad, he said that these demonstrate our commitment to eradicate terrorism.