Daily Times

United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells has said that America looks to Pakistan to take a leading role in bringing peace to South Asia.

She was referring to Pakistan’s contribution to the ongoing peace talks between the Afghan Taliban and the Kabul government while speaking at an event to mark Pakistan’s 72nd Independence Day at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC.

“We have always looked to Pakistan to take a leading role in bringing peace to the region,” she said while acknowledging Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the ongoing war against terrorism.

She highlighted the common goal between Pakistan and the US in building a stable and prosperous South Asia. “The relationship between the US and Pakistan has rested on the strong foundation of close ties between the people of two countries. Our militaries have worked together against common enemies and the countries have much to gain from this partnership.”

Wells also spoke about the crucial education and business partnerships established between the two countries that provided “economic opportunities for trade and investment” for both economies.

The US, she said, looks forward to working with PM-in-waiting Imran Khan.

The remarks came a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Pakistan on its 72nd Independence Day. In a press statement released earlier, Pompeo said: “In the years ahead, we hope to further strengthen these bonds, as we continue to look for opportunities to work with the people and government of Pakistan to advance our shared goals of security, stability and prosperity in South Asia.”

The felicitation highlighted the US commitment to rebuild the fraught relationship that is viewed by many as spiralling downward, especially after a recent announcement that the Trump administration had suspended the International Military Education and Training (IMET) facility for Pakistan.

US politicians also conveyed their felicitations to the Pakistan Embassy.

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce said, “There was no greater bridge between our countries than the Pakistani diaspora. The community has long kept me and others informed about US-Pakistan relations.”

Congressman Brad Sherman appreciated the significance of the US-Pakistan relationship and said, “The US remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared interests.”

Published in Daily Times, August 16^th 2018.