Kerry reaffirms support for Islamabad

Islamabad: US Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed Washington’s support to the new democratic government in Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani foreign ministry said on Monday.

Secretary Kerry, who telephoned the prime minister on Sunday, conveyed his felicitations to him on the assumption of office.

He reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan — US bilateral relations for enduring peace and stability in the region, a ministry statement said, adding that Secretary Kerry reassured that the US Administration “remained steadfast in supporting the new democratic government in Pakistan.”

The prime minister thanked Kerry for the felicitations and reiterated his government’s resolve to further strengthen relations with the US on the basis of mutual trust and respect.

Sharif underscored the need to strengthen the strategic dialogue between the two countries. He also emphasised upon the importance of regular high level exchanges between the two sides in order to build on mutual interests and shared goals, the statement said.

The two discussed the regional situation and Secretary Kerry provided an update on the recent developments and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s positive role in advancing peace and stability in the region, the ministry said.

In a congratulatory message to the prime minster Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed confidence in the continued support of Pakistan to the OIC in its efforts to assist the member states in overcoming the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.