Trump: Started a better relationship with Pakistan

President Donald Trump has said he has started to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan, a day after Pakistani forces rescued an American-Canadian family from the Haqqani terror network.

Trump had slammed Pakistan for its continued support to terrorist groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so while announcing his Afghan and South Asia policy in August.

On Friday, the president thanked Pakistani leaders for cooperating with the US on many

WASHINGTON:US

fronts.

“Starting to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders. I want to thank them for their cooperation on many fronts,” Trump tweeted.

Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu said: “On this I agree” with Trump. “Pakistan is a critical ally in fighting against terrorists,” he said in a tweet.

Earlier in the day, US vice president Mike Pence also praised Pakistan in helping the US secure the release its citizens.

Pence’s comments on Pakistan came as he listed out some of the key achievements of the Trump administration at the international stage.

“The president is achieving real results on the international stage, as well,” he said.

“Just this week, Pakistan took an important step to answer the president’s call to do more in the fight against terrorism, as they helped secure the release of an American family that had been held hostage for more than five years.” US defence secretary Jim Mattis and secretary of state Rex Tillerson are expected to visit Pakistan soon. PTI