The White House has said that Pakistan was vital to US success against terrorists in the region and pledged to continue cooperative ties with the country, despite complicated nature of the relationship.
“I think we have made clear that our cooperative relationship with Pakistan is important. It’s been complicated, obviously. But it is vital to our successful effort against terrorism and terrorists,” President Barack Obama’s press secretary said.
Jay Carney spoke amid signs of renewed joint efforts against terrorist as the two countries – who have been working closely against Taliban and al Qaeda operatives – worked to repair strains that developed from American unilateral action against Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad.
Questioned why the US should continue to pursue close ties with Pakistan, the White House spokesman reminded journalists at a briefing of Islamabad’s key help against terrorists over the years.
“The cooperation we’ve received from Pakistan in the past has led to a variety of successes in our effort against terrorists. And we look forward to continuing that cooperative relationship.”
Pressed on the issue of trust between the two countries, Carney remarked “there’s no secret to the fact that this is a complicated relationship and at times a difficult relationship”.
But, he emphasised, “It is an important relationship and one we’re committed to because the cooperation between the United States and Pakistan, between our governments, our militaries, our security services, our intelligence services, is so vital to America’s national security interests.
“And so because of that, we will continue to pursue it.”
