Surprise as Trump warms to Pakistan prime minister
President-elect makes U-turn to offer support for Sharif
PAKISTAN said Donald Trump praised its prime minister as a terrific guy and offered support for a fantastic country, in an effusive phone call that baffled many after sharp criticisms in the past.
The Pakistani government released the candid account, complete with Trump’s trademark language, after Sharif phoned the billionaire real estate mogul to congratulate him on his election victory.
Widely circulated on social media, the statement released late on Wednesday caused surprise given the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Trump campaign and the president-elect’s past description of the country as “not our friend”.
It said Trump told the embattled Pakistani leader, currently embroiled in a corruption court case, that he has a very good reputation.
“You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. As I am talking to you prime minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long,” it quoted Trump as saying.
“Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people,” Trump said according to the statement, while also offering to help solve the nation’s many challenges including a violent insurgency.
“I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it.”
Trump has long been disdainful of Pakistan on social media.
On January 17 2012, he tweeted: “Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We’ve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect – and much worse. #TimeToGetTough”.
Pakistanis have also been suspicious of his relationship with archrival India.
Trump courted Indian-American voters in the run-up to election day.
He spoke with Indian leader Narendra Modi last month and has met with Indian business leaders since winning the election.
Pakistan relies heavily on US aid and is likely to get about $1-billion (R14-billion) in economic and security assistance in the 2017 financial year.
Trump’s election has met with concern over what it could mean for aid commitments and bumpy diplomatic relations.
However, the government statement said Trump urged Sharif to call him “any time even before January 20” when he takes power.
Trump also responded to an invitation to visit Pakistan by saying he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. — AFP