US hails Pakistan's role in Afghan peace process

The warm words and smiles between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan signalled a renewed relationship.

AFP

2019-07-23

Scenes from a joint press conference at the White House on July 22, 2019, with US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. [Carmen CUESTA-ROCA / AFPTV / DC POOL / AFP]

WASHINGTON, DC -- US President Donald Trump on Monday (July 22) hailed Pakistan for its help in advancing peace talks in Afghanistan.

Khan arrived in Washington Saturday (July 20) for a three-day official visit.

"We've made a lot of progress over the last couple of weeks, and Pakistan has helped us with that progress," Trump said, speaking from the Oval Office alongside Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"A lot of things are happening for the United States, and I think a lot of great things are going to be happening for Pakistan under your leadership," he added, turning to face Khan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaks with US President Donald Trump at the White House on July 22, 2019. [White House]

Khan, for his part, said he "always believed there was no military solution" to the conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

"I have to compliment President Trump, because he has now forced people to end the war," he said.

"I want to thank President Trump for his warm & gracious hospitality, his understanding of Pakistan's point of view & his wonderful way of putting our entire delegation at ease," Khan later tweeted. "I want to assure President Trump, Pakistan will do everything within its power to facilitate the Afghan peace process. The world owes it to the long-suffering Afghan people to bring about peace after 4 decades of conflict."

Boost for Khan and Pakistan

Khan's visit amounted to "a reward for good behaviour for following through on the Taliban talks", said Shamila Chaudhary, a senior fellow at the New America think tank and a former White House official.

"It will boost Imran Khan's standing, both at home and internationally," she told AFP.

Trump hopes to "revive all aspects of the bilateral relationship" with Pakistan, including new trade deals and "strong military-to-military ties", according to a readout of the meeting by the White House.

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15 Comment(s)

| 2020-04-18

I like it tiger force

| 2020-04-15

Please don’t put burden at Pakistan’s National treasury..? Public of the country is in agony, promotions have been opened in all government departments; loans of millions of rupees, one million tigers force, construction works are all unnecessary. Public is dying of corona and hunger and the government is not concerned about anything. Some shameless people are getting ration repeatedly and then selling it; and all the corrupt, shirk, work-shy and slackers have won lottery. They are just taking about youngsters but EOBI pensioners have been neglected. They are not concerned about those who worked till the age of 60. May Allah bless Mr. Syed Zulfi Bukhari who cares for EOBI pensioners and have feelings for the poor and elderly. May Allah bless Mr. Bukhari with health, wealth and long life. “Amen” Long live Pakistan ISI Long live Pakistan Army Long live all defense institutions of Pakistan Long live Pakistan

| 2020-04-15

Sir, no one asks us about the vote, neither anyone gives us anything. We are very poor.

| 2020-04-14

My name is Muhammad Shoaib Ahmad; I am from district Kasoor. I desperately need a job, please help me And I am a daily wage worker but due to corona, my work has shut down. I should be helped through the Ehsaas emergency program. I will be thankful.

| 2020-04-12

Greetings, my name is Muhammad Muneer Ahmed and I am fond of doing good deeds, please give me a chance to work. I have been restless since our prime minister has launched the citizen portal. I have applied in the citizen portal but haven’t gotten any reply as yet.

| 2020-04-11

When you deal a conflict in accordance with ground realities,the result will be fruitful and long lasting

| 2020-04-10

Yes I agree

| 2020-04-07

They must have thought good about our Pakistan.

| 2020-04-07

Great, Long live Imran Khan!

| 2020-02-26

Khan is the great person

| 2020-04-07

Yes, sure.

| 2019-10-23

Land grabbers get in charge of Karachi and our cooperative department staff also involved them no buddy see or hear poor peoples voice its a madina reyasat?

| 2019-10-03

Curse on the one whose a jew agent.

| 2019-09-12

Raziq coming in pak Army work do in interest of Pakistan fights do for our Rights in Kashmir Indian Army keep on by power Kashmir 34 days go Kashmir city is close

| 2019-08-27

Worst is that for how long we would be a part of others’ war; we have done several migrations; Kashmir issue has not yet been resolved and we are on our way to make America and Afghanistan friends, Why Mr. PM doesn’t realize that we neither know Taliban, nor we will be a part of negotiation team; you will only get your hands dirty if you put them in coal.