LONDON: United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that he wanted to work with Pakistan's newly elected premier Shehbaz Sharif.
PM Shehbaz was sworn in as the prime minister on April 11, following the ouster of the Imran Khan government through a no-confidence motion — making him the first premier to be removed through the democratic process.
"Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan," Johnson said in a tweet, where he share his aspirations for a future working relationship with his Pakistani counterpart.
"The UK & Pakistan have a longstanding relationship and our people share deep ties. I look forward to working together on areas of shared interest," the UK's PM added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also felicitated Shehbaz on assuming the prime minister's office.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has hoped that the United States would continue its “healthy” military-to-military ties with Pakistan despite the change in the government.
"...we do have a healthy military-to-military relationship with Pakistani armed forces. And we have every expectation that that will be able to continue to be the case," Pentagon Press Secretary John F Kirby said in a press briefing Tuesday.
The Pentagon official said the US recognises that it has shared interests with Pakistan with respect to security and stability. "We recognise that Pakistan plays a key role in the region."
Similarly, in a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had said that a democratic Pakistan was critical to the interests of the United States.
"We support the peaceful upholding of constitutional democratic principles, we don't support one political party over another," the press secretary had said.
Psaki added that the US values its long-standing cooperation with Pakistan and has always viewed a prosperous and democratic Pakistan as critical to US interests — that remains unchanged regardless of who the leadership is.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directs authorities to prevent protesters from entering Islamabad
DPO confirms dual blasts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's District Bajaur, says both took place in Tehsil Mamund
PTI leaders reach consensus to proceed with earlier decision of launching protest on November 24
Committee to engage in discussions with members designated by Bilawal-led party to determine future course of action
ATC Islamabad declares six accused "absconders" and issues non-bailable arrest warrant
She did not say Saudi crown prince made telephone call to former army chief, says Barrister Saif