PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms ‘strong desire’ to work closely with Trump administration for improved ties

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week reaffirmed his government’s intention to work closely with the Trump administration for stronger bilateral ties with the United States.

A news release issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the premier expressed Pakistan’s “strong desire” to work towards the endeavour while recalling the “decades-long history of close cooperation” between the two countries in a meeting with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker.

The PMO statement added that she mentioned that the new US administration would also work with Pakistan in pursuit of common objectives to strengthen their bilateral relationship.

The prime minister also stressed the need for both countries to continue their close cooperation in the counter-terrorism domain, in particular, to deal with the threat posed by the proscribed Islamic State and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan groups.

The PM further emphasised the need to enhance trade, as well as cooperation in the areas of information technology, agriculture, health, education, and energy, among other areas of mutual interest, the statement added. The senior US diplomat thanked the prime minister for receiving her.