US will cooperate in expanding relations with Pakistan

WASHINGTON : The United States has signaled its readiness to work with the new Pakistani government in carrying forward bilateral cooperation in a wide array of fields, including continuation of the democratic process in the country.
“ We are looking forward to being able to continue our cooperation and work with Pakistan on a variety of issues from the fight against extremism, to economic and political development, and continuing the democratic process there,” the State Department said.
Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey also reiterated Washington’s position at the daily briefing that the country’s internal political matters are for the Pakistanis to decide.
“In terms of what happens internally in Pakistan’s political system, as we’ve always said, these are issues for Pakistanis themselves to decide,” he said in response to a question about the future political course in the major non-NATO partner.

The spokesman referred to visit by Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher to the country after inception of the new government.
He added the two diplomats had the opportunity to meet with Pakistani leaders including the President, the new Prime Minister and heads of political parties. Pakistan had a new government last month, following its landmark February 18 parliamentary polls and senior US officials envision taking forward the wide-ranging bilateral ties while also vowing to work hand-in-hand with the key South Asian country on the best way to curb violent extremism in the Afghan border region.