United States (US) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday to felicitate him on the 70th Independence Day anniversary of Pakistan, said a press release issued by the ministry.

He conveyed the best wishes on behalf of the US Government and the American people to the government and people of Pakistan. He also congratulated the foreign minister on assuming office and expressed his desire to work with him for achieving common objectives.

The foreign minister thanked Secretary Tillerson and said that the call was an apt reminder of the long history of relations between the two countries. He added that the US had been a partner in Pakistan’s journey of development, both in the socio-economic and defence sector.

Asif said the current leadership of Pakistan was committed to strengthening relations with the US. He also underscored the need to build a dynamic and diverse relationship underpinned by mutual trust, sincerity, and confidence.

The minister said that Pakistan would benefit the most if peace and stability were achieved in Afghanistan as the success and sustainability of Pakistan’s economic reforms depend upon a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

He expressed the country’s willingness to work with the US once the policy review on Afghanistan is unveiled. He emphasised that a political settlement to conflict in Afghanistan was common objective of Pakistan and the US.

Secretary Tillerson later extended an invitation to the minister to visit the US to carry on the conversation. The minister reciprocally invited Secretary Tillerson to visit Pakistan, which the latter has accepted.