ISLAMABAD: The United States of America has welcomed the confidence building measures between Pakistan and Afghanistan and hoped the visit of the Afghan High Peace Council delegation to Pakistan would lead to concrete steps towards reconciliation in the war-torn country.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G Olson at a reception hosted by Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Peter M Brennan here at his residence, in an informal chat with the reporters said the visit of Salauddin Rabbani to Pakistan was a very welcome development.

The ambassador who has arrived here three weeks back said the Pak-US ties have been through a difficult phase during the past one and a half years, however hoped that their “important partnership” would strengthen in the days ahead.

He said both the countries looked forward to building their relations on “solid footings”.

Ambassador Olson termed the media in Pakistan vibrant and said it was playing an important role, as it was essential for a a strong nation and was the corner stone of a robust civil society.