News
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
US wants to strengthen ties with Pakistan, says ObamaISLAMABAD: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said that the United States wants to further strengthen friendly and trade relations with Pakistan, radio Pakistan reported.
Obama phoned Nawaz Sharif and congratulated him on his party’s election victory. “The US president said his country respects the mandate given to Nawaz Sharif in the elections,” the state radio said.
He also lauded the PML-N chief for valiantly running the election campaign and wished early meeting with him.
The US Embassy in Islamabad referred to President Obama’s May 12 statement in which he had congratulated the people of Pakistan on the successful completion of the parliamentary election. “The United States stands with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s democratic progress,” the statement quoted the president as saying.
Meanwhile US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Saudi Ambassador Ibrahim Abdul Aziz Al-Ghadeer held separate meetings with Nawaz Sharif and greeted him over his resounding victory in the general election.
During the meeting, Olson underscored his country’s commitment to a strong bilateral relationship with Pakistan. Al-Ghadeer also congratulated Nawaz and hoped that the PML-N government would play a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Separately, Indian National Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi phoned Nawaz Sharif to convey his wishes and facilitate him on his election win.
Gandhi expressed India’s desire to work with the new government in the neighbouring country. Turkish President Abdullah Gül also phoned Nawaz and congratulated him on his victory in the general election. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk