Ties with US should be based on mutual trust: Pak

Islamabad [Pakistan], Jan 16 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua on Monday said that relationship with the United States needed to move forward under an environment of mutual trust and respect.

The remark came days after Washington froze military assistance to Islamabad.

"Pakistan Foreign Secretary met with the U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Ambassador Alice Wells at the Foreign Office. The visit was part of regular engagement between the two countries on bilateral and regional cooperation," Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official release.

"U.S. delegation was apprised about recent counter-terrorism actions taken by Pakistan's law enforcement agencies that contributed to visible improvement in the security situation of Pakistan. It was mentioned that these comprehensive counter-terrorism actions would also contribute towards peace and stability in the entire region," it added.

Janjua also expressed concerns on the continued use of Afghan soil by elements hostile to Pakistan's stability.

"She added that strengthening border management mechanisms between Pakistan and Afghanistan was vital to addressing concerns relating to cross-border movements," the statement further said.

Earlier this week, Pakistan has suspended intelligence and military cooperation with the United States after Washington froze military assistance to Pakistan.

The U.S. had earlier this month announced that they were stopping the military aid to Pakistan, as it was not taking "necessary steps" to curb terrorism

U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said the embargo would remain in place until Pakistan takes action against the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had made a scathing remark against Pakistan and accused it of lying and deceiving while receiving billions in aid.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!", Trump said in a tweet. (ANI)