Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that his visit to Pakistan improved relations with the U.S. and renewed talks on security issues despite tension between the two countries in recent years.
Kerry said that he hoped U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan territory, a contentious issue that has injured America’s standing with Parkistan, could end soon, the New York Times reports.
“I believe we’re on a good track,” Kerry said. “I think the program will end as we have eliminated most of the threat and continue to eliminate it.”
The U.S. and Pakistan have agreed to renew talks on security issues, according to Voice of America.
“This revitalized dialogue will address in a realistic fashion all of the many issues between us, from border management to counterterrorism, to promoting U.S. private investment and to Pakistan's own journey to economic revitalization,” commented the Secretary of State.
Kerry met with Pakistan's new prime minister Nawaz Sharif (above, with Kerry) and other top government officials.
“Our relationship with Pakistan is extremely important to America's national security interests,” said Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary, according to Dawn. “It is a complicated but important relationship.”
Carney emphasized the two nations’ “joint efforts to fight terrorism,” saying that “Pakistanis have been among the most significant victims of terrorist attacks.”
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