Pak-US relations strong despite ups and downs

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G Olson said on Wednesday that Pak-US relationship was strong despite the ups and downs over the years. In an informal conversation with participants at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission for the US presidential election results watch, the new Ambassador said he looked forward to stronger ties between the two countries. Olson said, regardless of election results, US policy would continue to emphasise the importance of a close relationship with Pakistan. He said his country wanted a strong relationship with Pakistan, one that stood on the basis of mutual respect and interests. The ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s key role in the war against terror and recognised that it had paid a very high price for its involvement. He said Pakistan also had an important role to play in Afghanistan and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in this regard. He further said the two countries were friends and that his department was looking forward for constructive cooperation between them in the war against terror. Olson described the tight race for the white house as a triumph of democracy. The ambassador labelled the upcoming general elections as Pakistan’s internal matter. However, he added that he looked forward to witnessing the transition from one democratic government to another and termed this as an important milestone in Pakistan’s history. He said he wished to meet as many Pakistanis as possible during his stay so as to better understand the people and improve people to people contacts between the two nations.