US “closer than ever” with Pakistan, says Trump in meeting with PM Imran

In his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, US President Donald J Trump said Washington was “closer than ever” with Islamabad, saying that he was “honoured to meet” the Pakistani prime minister.

Trump and the prime minister met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The US president said Washington would like to resolve tensions between India and Pakistan, to which PM Imran thanked him.

“What’s going on between Pakistan and India … if we can help, we certainly will be willing to. We have been watching it very closely and it’s an honour to be here with my friend,” he said.

PM Imran said: “Fortunately, America and Pakistan are on the same page regarding Afghanistan. Talks are being held between their government and Taliban.

“The Pakistan-India conflict is a very big issue for us in Pakistan and we expect the US to always play its part in deescalating the tensions, because no other country can,” he added.

When a reporter asked whether Trump would visit Pakistan considering he was already set to visit India, he said he was meeting the premier in Davos. “Well, we’re visiting right now. So we don’t really have to,” he added.

“I wanted to say that from a relationship standpoint, we got a great relationship. From the standpoint our two countries, we’re getting along very well. I would say we’ve never been closer with Pakistan the way we’re right now.

“And this is a big statement,” the US President added. He is expected to visit India later this month, marking his first visit after taking up his post in the White House.